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Oct 26, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Haloti Ngata (92) knocks the ball away from Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) during the fourth quarter at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Haloti Ngata Traded to Detroit Lions

Haloti Ngata is simply one of the greatest players in Ravens history, and he had a great season in 2014. It may come as a shock to some that the Ravens would trade him, but in reality it’s a brilliant and underrated move. Much like the Patriots releasing Vince Wilfork, great teams know when to move on.

Ngata carried a burdensome $16 million dollar cap hit in 2015 and was unwilling to renegotiate to help the team clear up space. Following his four game PED suspension to end the 2014 regular season, the Ravens likely knew the writing was on the wall.

With the emergence of Timmy Jernigan and Brandon Williams along the defensive line, the Ravens know they have a solid group with or without Ngata. With the franchise legend entering the twilight of his career, it makes all the sense in the world to move on.

Instead of simply cutting him outright and getting nothing in return, the Ravens received a 4th and 5th round pick in exchange for Ngata and a 7th round pick from the Lions.

Grade: A

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