With Stephon Gilmore and Justin Simmons signed, eight-year veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue might just be the biggest name remaining on the free agent market. A third-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Ngakoue spent the past few seasons bouncing around the league on a series of one-year deals. The Maryland product spent the 2023 season with the Chicago Bears, starting in 13 games while recording four sacks, 22 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, and seven quarterback hits.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, a reunion could be in order. Per to the NFL insider, the Bears “have been talking with” the free agent and Yannick Ngakoue prepares for yet another year in the league. The Bears, of course, couldn’t seal the deal in the Matt Judon trade sweepstakes, and Ngakoue appears to be their Plan B with the start of the regular season right around the corner. Perhaps the two sides can come to an agreement, but Chicago might need to outbid the Kansas City Chiefs and Carolina Panthers.
Bears Reportedly Courting Free Agent Yannick Ngakoue
The Chiefs have the best all-around roster in football, but there is no such thing as a perfect football team. While this defense should be one of the league’s better units, they could stand to add another pass rusher into the mix. Chris Jones might be the best interior defensive lineman in football and George Karlaftis can get to the quarterback, but this team lacks a reliable third option. Mike Danna is nothing special, while 2023 first-round pick Felix Anudike-Uzomah did nothing to inspire confidence as a rookie. Perhaps he turns it around in Year 2, but Yannick Ngakoue could be a perfect free agent signing for this team.
Ngakoue is not good against the run, but that won’t be too important in Kansas City. With two reliable starters already on the roster, the one-time Pro Bowler could serve as a situational pass rusher and only see the field on clear passing downs. While some players wouldn’t like this reduced role, the Chiefs could still be an attractive free agent destination for Yannick Ngakoue. Opposing offenses will throw the ball early and often to try and keep up with Patrick Mahomes, so situational pass rushers like Ngakoue should have every opportunity to see the field and rack up sacks.
Help Where You Can Find It
On the complete opposite side of the coin are the Carolina Panthers. After finishing with the worst record in the game, Carolina spent the offseason surrounding Bryce Young with as much offensive support as possible. While guys like Diontae Johnson, Robert Hunt, and first-round pick Xavier Legette will help Young’s development, the Panthers need more help on defense. Brian Burns is gone, and while Jadeveon Clowney and D.J. Wonnum will do their best to replace his production, they could still use a free agent like Yannick Ngakoue.
Even with the offensive additions, it’s hard to envision Carolina having one of the league’s better offenses. If this team wants to win, they’ll need their defense to do some heavy lifting. Nobody will confuse Yannick Ngakoue with peak Reggie White, but the free agent can provide a pass rushing presence for a defense that could use all the help it can get, especially after losing Stephon Gilmore to the Minnesota Vikings.
Main Photo: Brad Mills – USA Today Sports
