Free agent pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue hit the open market hoping to find long-term stability. The Maryland product spent his early years with the Jacksonville Jaguars, earning a Pro Bowl birth in 2017 while playing a crucial role in the “Sacksonville” defense. However, despite his strong play, the edge defender has bounced around the league on a series of one-year prove-it deals.
The veteran spent the 2023 season with the Chicago Bears, recording four sacks in 13 games. This marked the first time in his career he recorded fewer than eight sacks in a season, which could imply time is catching up with the eight-year veteran. However, despite the pedestrian production, some team should give Yannick Ngakoue a chance to earn a roster spot as a free agent. After all, he recorded a combined 19.5 sacks from 2021 to 2022, and you can’t have too many players capable of getting after the quarterback.
At this point in his career, Yannick Ngakoue shouldn’t be an every-down player, but the free agent can still help a team. While his run defense leaves a lot to be desired, he’s dangerous when allowed to blindly go after the quarterback. In no particular order, these five teams could use an experienced pass rusher to bolster their third down defense.
Will Anyone Sign Free Agent Yannick Ngakoue?
Possible Team Fits
Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens lost multiple starters in free agency and lacked the draft capital to fill every void on the roster. While the team did an admirable job of rebuilding their secondary and adding some much-needed depth along the offensive line, they could still use another pass rusher. With Jadeveon Clowney now in Carolina, the Ravens could use a cost-effective free agent like Yannick Ngakoue to get after the quarterback. The former Jaguar is better off in a rotational role at this point in his career, making him a perfect fit for Baltimore’s collection of good but not great edge defenders.
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are all-in on the 2024 season. With C.J. Stroud on a rookie contract, Houston loaded up on veteran talent to create a roster capable of winning it all in the next few seasons. While they don’t need another pass rusher, you can never have too many players capable of getting after the quarterback. Opposing teams will be throwing early and often to try and keep up with Houston’s offense, and free agent Yannick Ngakoue can tee up as a situational pass rusher.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs should have one of the best offenses in football next year. Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid are still at the top of their craft while newcomers like Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy add much-needed consistency to the wide receiver room. With this in mind, Kansas City should consider signing a cheap one-dimensional pass rushing free agent like Yannick Ngakoue. Teams are going to be throwing early and often, so his subpar run defense won’t be an issue for the team.
Carolina Panthers
Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum are reliable players, but this team could still use another edge defender to fill the Brian Burns role on the defense. Seeing as the team justifiably spent most of their early draft picks on offense, Carolina could use a short-term free agent like Yannick Ngakoue to get after the quarterback in 2024.
New Orleans Saints
Dennis Allen probably won’t survive another season without a playoff berth, which means the organization should be all-in for the upcoming season. While they lack the financial resources to easily go after top free agent options, they could sign a low-risk, high-reward player like Yannick Ngakoue. While he might not have the same upside as fellow signee Chase Young, he can provide some stability in case the former second-overall pick struggles to adapt to the Big Easy.
Main Photo: Jamie Sabau – USA Today Sports
