Baltimore Ravens' nose tackle Haloti Ngata has new teammates along the defensive line entering the 2014 season. Ngata also has two years remaining on his on his current contract with a staggering $16 million against the Ravens' salary cap this season. Put two, and two together and Ngata has to disrupt the line of scrimmage this upcoming season, or his contract may get interrupted.
After allowing 105.4 rushing yards on the ground in 2013 as well as allowing 122.8 yards rushing in 2012, the Ravens made it a point to get back to a physical brand of football when the team drafted the likes of inside linebacker C.J. Mosley, defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan and defensive tackle Brent Urban in the first-four rounds of the 2014 NFL draft.
Dating back to last season as well, the Ravens draft defensive tackle Brandon Williams in the third round of the 2013 NFL draft. The Ravens are well aware of the Ngata's contract and they have done everything they possibly can to prepare themselves for the worst if Ngata cannot agree to terms with the franchise which drafted him in the 2006 NFL draft.
The combination of knee, and shoulder injuries over the last couple of years has slowed down the potential future hall of famer when it comes to playing late into December and January, but Ngata remains one of the elite defensive players in the game and would be a huge piece to the Ravens getting back to another Super Bowl in the 2014 season.
Having said that make no mistake about it. Ngata has to produce this season. It doesn't matter of he has another injury which derails his season. It doesn't matter if Ngata starts of the season real fast. Ngata has to be productive throughout. If Ngata can't put dominate his way throughout the season, he most likely will be shown the door very soon.
The Ravens haven't been afraid to part ways with popular veterans. Ngata will be no different.