The Baltimore Ravens parted with one of the defensive mainstays on Tuesday, sending Haloti Ngata to the Detroit Lions in a trade for fourth- and fifth-round draft picks.

The deal was first reported by the Baltimore Sun and confirmed by the Ravens.

The Lions added Ngata to their defensive line after earlier losing Ndamukong Suh to the Miami Dolphins.

The Ravens had salary cap issues with Ngata after he refused to take a pay cut. CBSSports.com reported that the Lions are discussing a new contract with Ngata.

The 31-year-old Ngata will be reunited in Detroit with Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, who previously served on the coaching staff in Baltimore.

The veteran Ngata had spent his entire nine-year career with the Ravens. Last season after being suspended for the first four games, the defensive tackle returned to collect 32 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions.