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In the wake of new Ravens Defensive Coordinator Chuck Pagano’s press conference on Wednesday, there was one nugget of news that shouldn’t slip through the cracks.
Coveted impending free agent Haloti Ngata expressed his desire to stay in Baltimore with a brief statement.
When asked by reporters if Pagano’s hire would impact his decision to re-sign with the Ravens, Ngata brushed off the question.
“No,” Ngata replied. “Nah, I really don’t want to go anywhere else.”
That might be music to General Manager Ozzie Newsome’s ears, as Ngata will be one of the most important free agents should he hit the open market.
The two-time Pro Bowler is coming off another dominant season, leading the defensive line with 65 tackles and a career-high 5 ½ sacks.
Ngata’s sentiments follow what Head Coach John Harbaugh told media on Monday.
“I believe Haloti Ngata will be a Raven for life,” Harbaugh said. That’s the goal. I know that Haloti wants that. He’s told me that he wants to be here. I don’t want to speak for him, again, but I think he wants to be here, and I believe the organization wants him here.
“It’s priority No. 1 to have Haloti Ngata here.”
Regardless, the Ravens aren’t likely to let Ngata become available to other teams with the franchise tag figuring to remain in a new Collective Bargaining Agreement.
But, the Ravens have to be pleased that Ngata wants purple and black in his future as both he and the team work towards a long-term contract.
