Haloti Ngata Trade to Detroit

What?

Baltimore Haloti Ngata TRADED to Detroit

Why?

Baltimore owes a lot of their team success over the years to Ngata and his versatile, physical presence in the middle of that defense.  A former first round pick (2006), Ngata started 135 regular season contests and helped lead the way for one of the league’s top units.  The 31 year old’s cap hit was just too much for the front office to handle, however.  They asked him to re-structure and he replied with a “No thanks”, forcing Ozzie Newsome’s decision to ship him to Detroit.

The Lions’ improving defense took a hit with the free agency departure of Ndamukong Suh to Miami.  Replacing him with the aging Ngata may not bring the same dividends when economics are considered, but it keeps that defense on the rise.  Ngata fits in to any scheme and will make everyone around him better.  He is a different kind of player than Suh, showing more ability to stay home and eat space and blockers.

What’s next?

Baltimore is completely re-doing their defensive line.  Look for them to pursue a few during the draft with early picks.  Detroit can be under the mindset that their defense is exactly where it left off in January.  But with the uncertainty of DT Nick Fairley and Ngata’s age, they still need some young blood at the position.