Technically, the Detroit Lions' move to trade for defensive tackle Haloti Ngata isn't completely official just yet. That's because Ngata still has to take a physical with the Lions. That physical is scheduled for Wednesday, according to Dave Birkett, and assuming he passes it, Ngata will meet with the media in Detroit for the first time later in the day.
In the meantime, there has been no direct word from Ngata just yet about this trade, but his agent relayed this message to Josh Katzenstein:
Haloti Ngata's agent Mike McCartney on him joining the Lions: "I know he's ecstatic."
— Josh Katzenstein (@jkatzenstein) March 10, 2015
There's definitely a lot to like about this trade for Ngata. For starters, he's still set to make $8.5 million next season, and chances are the Lions will try to extend his contract. On top of that, he's joining a team that just went to the playoffs and a defense that was ranked near the top of the NFL in 2014. What's more, he will get to reunite with Teryl Austin and step in for Ndamukong Suh as the Lions' star at defensive tackle. Replacing Suh certainly won't be easy, but considering Ngata is a five-time Pro Bowler, I think he's up to the task.