In the ever-changing landscape that is free agency, the Baltimore Ravens traded defensive tackle Haloti Ngata to the Detroit Lions for fourth- and fifth-round picks this afternoon, the Ravens confirmed on Twitter.
The Lions replaced Ndamukong Suh—the Pro Bowler who has been criticized for his aggressive style of play—who signed with the Miami Dolphins.
The Ngata trade frees up $8.5 million of salary cap space, according to ESPN. Reportedly, Terrell Suggs restructured his contract to free up another couple million.
Ngata, a five-time Pro Bowl player, has been the backbone of the Ravens’ run defense for the past eight seasons and has was poised to have his best year yet last season until he was suspended for violating the league’s PED policy.
Ravens fans have come to depend on watching the hulking #92, University of Oregon-graduate make instrumental plays for our defense. He became especially crucial after Ray Lewis’ retirement.
“Haloti has been an outstanding player for us for many years,” general manager Ozzie Newsome told BaltimoreRavens.com. “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.”
In related news, Ravens tight end Owen Daniels signed with the Denver Broncos today, new home of coach Gary Kubiak, who Daniels has played under for all of his nine NFL seasons. Daniels followed Kubiak from the Texas to the Ravens last off-season and he stepped up last year to replace the injured Dennis Pitta.
Additionally, several teams—including the Atlanta Falcons, Washington Redskins, and Indianapolis Colts—have been eyeing up running back Justin Forsett, who was crucial last year in revitalizing the Ravens’ running game after the termination of Ray Rice.