Tue, Mar 10, 2015 at 6:34pm

LIONS NET NGATA FROM RAVENS FOR PICKS

The Detroit Lions acquired defensive tackle Haloti Ngata and a seventh-round draft pick in 2015 from the Baltimore Ravens for a fourth-round draft pick in 2015 and a fifth-round draft pick in 2015.

What does it give the Detroit Lions
Ngata is a longtime Pro Bowler who at 31 should still be in his prime. He immediately steps in and gives the Lions an intimidating playmaker on the D-line to replace Ndamukong Suh, who left via free agency to Miami. Ngata also probably gives the Lions a little more versatility with their alignments than Suh (as well as potentially more leadership, since he's older and doesn't have Suh's history of behavior issues). Overall, a very nice move for Detroit.

What does it give the Baltimore Ravens
This deal looks mostly financial for the Ravens. They lose a key star playmaker on the D-line in Ngata, but they also save themselves from Ngata's $16 million cap hit. With DeAngelo Tyson looking ready to step in and take over up front, Baltimore has an in-team replacement. They won't be as potent defensively without Ngata but the Ravens will have more financial flexibility to fill other holes.

Fantasy impact
There's little to no fantasy impact here. Even in leagues featuring individual defensive players, Ngata isn't close to as valuable in fantasy as he is in real-life football (since he doesn't post huge tackle or sack numbers).