The Detroit Lions have found their replacement for Ndamukong Suh, acquiring nose tackle Haloti Ngata in a trade with the Baltimore Ravens on Tuesday.

A Ravens source said Baltimore gets a fourth- and a fifth-round pick in return for Ngata.

Ngata, who had 32 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions last season, has prior experience with Detroit's coaching staff. He played for Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin during his time with the Ravens.

Trading for Ngata, who is in the final year of his contract, might seem like an odd fit for Detroit since the Lions had run a 4-3 defense. But with the team's top four defensive tackles set for free agency, receiving Ngata might be a hint the team will switch to a 3-4.

Ngata has played in 135 games and made 446 tackles with 25.5 sacks since being drafted by the Ravens with the No. 12 overall pick out of Oregon in 2006. The Ravens free up $8.5 million of cap space in the trade. Ngata had a team-high $16 million cap figure.

Baltimore was attempting to sign Ngata to an extension, but the sides were never close to a deal.

The 31-year-old Ngata is a five-time Pro Bowler who had been the foundation for the Ravens' run defense. He had his best season in recent memory last year before getting suspended four games for violating the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.

Apparently Ravens get 4th & 5th rounders while Lions get Ngata & 7th.

Lions making up ground quickly after losing Suh.

YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH WE GONNA EATTTTTTTTTTTTTT

I also hear the Lions may switch to a 3-4 Defense.

If they do they already have Ngata where they could put at Nose Tackle or 3-Technique. Jones will play 5 Technique. They need to add one more guy to that line, plus another edge rusher. They got work to do.

We don't have the edge rushers to move to a 3-4.

Fairley ain't coming back tho