It was speculated defensive tackle Haloti Ngata could be released by the Baltimore Ravens if he didn't take a pay cut. Well, he refused to restructure his deal and now he'll no longer be a part of Ravens Nation.
Ngata was traded to the Detroit Lions on Tuesday and freed up $8.5 million in cap space, according to the Ravens website. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun first reported the trade.
The team said they were unsuccessful in trying to work out a contract extension for the nine-year veteran and instead found a suitor in the Lions, who have already lost defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to the Miami Dolphins and may also lose defensive tackle Nick Fairley. Ngata was slated to be the highest-paid Raven in 2015 with his $16 million cap figure.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com says the Ravens will receive mid-round draft picks in exchange for Ngata. That has now been confirmed as fourth- and fifth-round picks. The Ravens will send the Lions a seventh-rounder.
The 31-year-old veteran has amassed 282 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 32 pass deflections, six forced fumbles and five interceptions as the anchor of the Ravens defense since 2006. He was suspended for the final four games of the regular season because of performance-enhancing drugs and was relieved by rookie defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan.
Jernigan was selected in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Florida State, where he helped the Seminoles to a National Championship during the 2013 season. He's now expected to fill big shoes and take over for Ngata, and he proved he's capable of doing so after recording 10 tackles and two sacks as he got much more time the final four games of 2014.
As for Ngata, he will be missed as a longtime member of the Ravens.
"Haloti is a great player, but an even better person. We appreciate everything he has done," head coach John Harbaugh said.
"He consistently showed tremendous leadership in our locker room and one the field," general manager Ozzie Newsome added.
