Feb. 15, 2011 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE HALOTI NGATA
The Baltimore Ravens this afternoon designated DT Haloti Ngata as their franchise player, securing his rights for the 2011 season, general manager/executive vice president Ozzie Newsome announced.
"The tender allows us to secure Haloti as a Raven right now," stated Newsome. "As we have said, our intention is to enter into a long-term contract with him. We want him to be a Raven."
A two-time Pro Bowl selection (2009-10), Ngata has recorded 328 tackles, 12 sacks, three interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries since being selected by Baltimore with the 12th-overall pick in the 2006 Draft. Ngata is the anchor of a defensive line that has surrendered a league-low 31 rushing TDs and the NFL’s second-fewest rushing first downs since he entered the NFL five years ago. He has missed just two games (Weeks 8 and 9 of the 2009 season) in his five-year career, starting 76 regular season games and eight playoff contests.
The Ravens have previously placed the franchise tag on three players: G/C Wally Williams in 1998, CB Chris McAlister in 2003 and 2004 (McAlister signed a long-term contract in October, 2004) and Terrell Suggs in 2008 and 2009 (Suggs signed a long-term deal prior to the start of the 2009 season).
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