If Haloti Ngata Is Cut, Browns Should Pounce
The Cleveland Browns have a big need on their defensive line and one of their rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, may choose to cut a player who has dominated for years. According to a report in the Baltimore Sun, the Ravens are likely to tell Haloti Ngata either to take a pay cut or be cut either way, according to the Sun, the team will be better off:
"Either way, something has to be done with Ngata. If he re-signs, the Ravens will get better. If he doesn’t, they get younger and still better. But No. 92 has been a fixture here for too long."
Ngata is not the player he once was but still could be a huge force, with the right price tag for any team. The Cleveland Browns are not just any team and should jump to the front of the line to seek his services should he be released.
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Ngata can play nose or defensive end, and likely would move in between those positions for the Browns, and has the type of work ethic and drive the Browns crave. He also has a history with Browns Head Coach Mike Pettine from his time with the Ravens, which should help the Browns in their pursuit. Revenge, and a hefty paycheck, could be great motivation for Ngata to join the Browns.
For the Browns adding Ngata could help in a variety of ways. They get a player who still has a few years left of good to great play, worked well for the Ravens in acquiring “the aging Steve Smith Sr.” last year. Ngata would also allow the Browns to be a little more picky in free agency and the draft as they look for long term line help. If they decide a nose tackle fits perfectly, Ngata slides outside. If they find a defensive end that they love, Ngata gives them a solid nose that commands double teams.
While it is likely that Ngata and the Ravens come to some agreement, it would not be shocking to see them part ways. The Browns have the need, the salary cap space, the personal relationship and the 3-4 defense that could interest Ngata to stay in the AFC North. Revenge is just an added bonus.
Other teams would likely seek Ngata’s service, and he could be drawn in by teams with more winning history. The Browns also could look to B.J. Raji, Stephen Paea and others in free agency over their former rival. Yet, much like Paul Kruger, it is always nice to get a player that also hurts a division foe.
What do you think about Haloti Ngata to the Browns if he is cut?