Haloti Ngata Traded To Detroit Lions

They might have lost Ndamukong Suh to the Miami Dolphins, but the Detroit Lions have moved fast to secure to services of another premier defensive tackle, with news today that the Baltimore Ravens have agreed to trade Haloti Ngata.

Compensation on the Ravens’ end is not yet known, but the move is an exciting, if not prudent, one to make on the first official day of NFL free agency. Ngata, 31, is the biggest name among a mass exodus of players from Baltimore in these early stages of transfer season.

Ngata joins tight end Owen Daniels, now a Denver Bronco, and Torrey Smith, a fresh San Francisco 49er, in his departure from the purple and black.

The enormous Tongan is coming off an indifferent 2014; a season that saw him record a meagre two sacks and two exhilarating interceptions. Ngata was suspended for the final four games of the season for violating the NFL’s policy on performance-enhancing substances, but returned in time for a wild card victory against the Ravens’ arch nemesis, the Pittsburgh Steelers, in the first round of the playoffs.

Much of the AFC North – but particularly Ben Roethlisberger – will be glad to see the gentle giant go, as Ngata’s most infamous moment involved breaking Ben’s nose with a tackle in 2010.

Set to wear new colors for the first time in his professional career, Ngata still has plenty to give, and may well have found a perfect fit with the defensively-stout Lions. He should fit right in to Teryl Austin’s pressure-heavy unit as a starting D-tackle.

The Ravens, meanwhile, appear to have placed immense faith in the underrated Brandon Williams – the only true NT left on the roster – and a young corps of linemen including talented second-year man Timmy Jernigan.

The sudden trade must have no doubt come as a shock to Ravens Nation considering Ngata’s status as a fan favourite, but the fanbase will continue to trust general manager Ozzie Newsome through these gusting winds of change.