The Lions locked down another starting defensive tackle.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reports Detroit re-signed Haloti Ngata to a two-year deal worth $12 million and will earn $6.25 million in the first year of the contract, per a source informed of the contract.
At 32, Ngata isn't the dominant defender he was in Baltimore, but he can still command double teams and push the pocket on quarterbacks.
After dealing with nagging injuries early in the 2015 season -- his first in Detroit -- Ngata came on strong down the stretch of the season. He compiled 25 quarterback hurries last season, including 12 in the last five games.
Defensive tackle was key for Detroit, with a huge hole if Ngata defected. New general manager Bob Quinn kept both starting D tackles, Ngata and Tyrunn Walker, wearing Honolulu Blue. The Lions remain likely to add to their front seven -- defensive interior, edge rusher and linebacker -- through the draft and low-level free agency.
