Thinner Ngata seeks fatter contract with Ravens

By David Ginsburg

Associated Press

Published: Saturday, July 30 2011 2:35 p.m. MDT

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In this July 29, 2011 photo, Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata, center, lines up for a play during NFL football training camp at the team's practice facility in Owings Mills, Md.

Patrick Semansky, Associated Press

Summary

In an effort to improve his stamina, Baltimore Ravens All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata lost 20 pounds during the offseason.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. — In an effort to improve his stamina, Baltimore Ravens All-Pro defensive tackle Haloti Ngata lost 20 pounds during the offseason.

Over the next few weeks, Ngata hopes to enhance his bank account by dropping his franchise tag and signing a long-term contract.

Ngata says he doesn't mind being Baltimore's franchise player, but wants more money over a longer period of time. He says "that's what I am really trying to shoot for."

The 27-year-old Ngata had 65 tackles last year and ranked second on the team with a career-high 5½ sacks. He was named to the AP All-Pro team and earned a second straight Pro Bowl berth.

He hopes to be even better this season after losing weight during the NFL lockout.

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