Training camp is roughly a week away, and one-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue has yet to find a new NFL home. Ngakoue recorded 9.5 sacks last season and is just as surprised as everyone else that he hasn’t found a new team.
Yannick Ngakoue: “I’m Not Sure” Why I’m Unsigned
The Interview
In a recent interview with Jim Rome, Ngakoue discussed his current unemployed state and ultimately couldn’t figure out why he’s still looking for work.
“I’m not sure [why I’m not signed]. That’s a question for not me, it’s a question for whoever makes those decisions. The only thing I can control is staying in shape, being in the best shape I’ve been in my whole career, and being a force when I touch the field again.
For what it’s worth, it doesn’t appear as though Yannick Ngakoue is too picky about his next NFL home. While some players only want to go to the highest bidder or to a team with real Super Bowl aspirations, Ngakoue just wants to play the game he loves.
“Any team in the NFL is an ideal landing spot for me,” Ngakoue said. “It’s a blessing to be able to work any job in the NFL. Being able to go and practice with a team, go through walk-throughs, go through film study, it’s a blessing. It doesn’t matter what organization in particular.”
Yannick Ngakoue is no superstar, but he is a starting-caliber edge defender. The pass rusher recorded 9.5 sacks last year and has yet to record fewer than eight sacks in any given season. While his work against the run leaves something to be desired, he should be able to land a starting job at some point. Seeing as he’s not holding out for a contender, the following five teams make the most sense as potential landing spots.
Yannick Ngakoue is headed to Indy.
That @Colts defense is looking even scarier. pic.twitter.com/BUr7BvU6Nb
— NFL (@NFL) March 19, 2022
Who Could Sign Yannick Ngakoue?
The New Orleans Saints have one of the weakest edge defender depth charts in the league. After parting ways with multiple starters in free agency, the team is relying on a mix of journeyman veterans and untested rookies to get after the quarterback. Yannick Ngakoue would easily be the best pass rusher on the roster and would help the Saints win a wide-open NFC South.
Staying in the division, the Carolina Panthers could also use Ngakoue’s services. Brian Burns is a great pass rusher, but the team could easily upgrade the other starting spot. Henry Anderson is a fine player, but Yannick Ngakoue is better and would provide the Panthers with one of the better pass-rushing duos in football. With over $26.5 million in available cap space, there is no reason for Carolina to do nothing.
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Ngakoue’s best years came with the Jacksonville Jaguars, so perhaps a reunion is in order. Jacksonville needs more help along the defensive line, and Ngakoue would help in an increasingly competitive AFC.
While several sources expected the Ravens to re-sign Justin Houston, the veteran pass rusher still remains on the open market. Perhaps Houston doesn’t want to sign before training camp, but if the two sides are having trouble making money work, then perhaps Baltimore goes after the younger Ngakoue.
Last, but certainly not least, is the Kansas City Chiefs. The reigning Super Bowl champions need to find a replacement for Frank Clark, and Ngakoue could actually be an upgrade. While the team only has $562,353 in available cap space, they could free up $16 million with a Chris Jones contract extension. Once that happens, signing Yannick Ngakoue would make all the sense in the world.
Main Photo: Robert Scheer – USA Today Sports
