The Chiefs, Chargers may sign Ravens cut edge rusher, Yannick Ngakoue this season. According to reports, the veteran is available to sign off waivers since Keaton Mitchell is being brought back. Ngakoue had minimal impact in the pass-rushing unit for the Ravens, but getting after the quarterback was effective. The Ravens want to bring him back on the practice if he clears waivers but it might not happen. Originally selected in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Pro Bowl defender has been a journeyman in his career after spending time with the Jaguars, Vikings, Raiders, Colts and Bears.
He may be getting older but Ngakoue could still be a reliable depth piece for any team that needs an edge. Ngakoue put up a total of 1.5 sacks in five appearances, limiting him to 25% snaps may increase his value. The 29-year-old had a quiet free-agent market before returning to Baltimore this season. Many rosters like the Lions, Cardinals and Steelers were active before this year’s trade deadline.
Teams that didn’t elect to trade for an edge rusher should look into someone like Ngakoue to improve their defense. However, rosters would have to act quickly, but it shouldn’t be long before Ngakoue finds a new home before the postseason. This is why the Chiefs and Chargers are best fits to sign him, giving him an opportunity for a championship run and improving his play in a new environment.
Chiefs, Chargers May Sign Ravens Cut Edge Rusher Yannick Ngakoue
Balance in Kansas City
After signing his mega contraction extension this past offseason, Chris Jones is still one of the better defensive tackles in the league. However, the Chiefs knew they would have a few inconsistency issues this year with Nick Bolton, Drue Tranquil and Leo Chenal. This is why they brought in Josh Uche to keep the pass-rushing unit competitive this year in getting after the quarterback. Even though they have 16 sacks so far this year, the defense is still averaging than they were anticipating.
Jones needs more help on both ends of him and someone like Ngakoue might help open up those gaps to get pressure on the opposing team. George Karlaftis is banged up and Felix Anudike-Uzomah is still looking like his old rookie self so Ngakoue coming in could provide some much-needed relief. Nagkoue doesn’t need to be a starter anymore but they could effectively use him for his veteran experience that he has to open the defensive line to help guys like Jones plunge.
Battle of the Trenches
The Chargers are shaping themselves to be a wild-card team at 5-3 despite the offensive woes and tackling issues. They must continue to improve their passing game and pass-rushing unit if they want a chance to make a legitimate run in the postseason. Los Angeles may be in good hands with Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack, they might want to bring in someone like Ngakoue to help improve the depth chart. However, Bosa and Mack need help since they’ll be the likely leaders for this defense this upcoming playoffs.
Bosa hasn’t been himself for the past two years but Mack is still dominating. A mix of three between Ngakoue, Mack and Bosa might help open the defensive line for the linebackers to get after the quarterback. Ngakoue may not be himself anymore but he could be an effective run-defense tool to stop those extra runs by opposing offenses.
