The Detroit Lions have found their replacement for Ndamukong Suh. The Lions have acquired all pro nose tackle Haloti Ngata from the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens will receive a 4th and 5th round pick in exchange for Ngata. The Lions also acquire a 7th round pick in addition to the 330 pound defensive tackle.
To most Raven fans the move might seem to be a head scratcher but, it was a move that had to be made. Ngata was endanger of being released after the team with rattled with cap troubles. After the restructuring of Terrell Suggs, the Ravens had just over 1 million in cap space. Now the trade gives gives that team over $10 million in cap space. General Manager Ozzie Newsome never turns down a chance to acquire more draft picks. The trade has to be considered a win despite only receive a couple of mid round picks. Head Coach John Harbaugh payed his respects upon his departure.
“Haloti is a great player but an even better person,” Baltimore coach John Harbaugh said. “He has been an anchor of our success for many years. We appreciate everything he has done for our organization and the Baltimore community. We wish he and his family nothing but the best.”
G.M. Ozzie Newsome also spoke on behalf on Ngata.
“Haloti has been an outstanding player for us for many years,” Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said. “He consistently showed tremendous leadership in our locker room and on the field. At times, he was one of the NFL’s most dominant players.”
On the Detroit side of things the team must have felt Ngata was destined for Indy if they failed to make the trade. Ngata and Colts coach Chuck Pagano have ties that would have made it difficult for another team to pursue him in free agency. The trade ensures Haloti will be a Lion in 2015. The move gives the team a solid replacement for Ndamukong Suh. Detroit also has the uncertain return of Nick Fairley. Ngata will now be playing the 4-3 defense, something he was unfamiliar with in Baltimore.
