NFL Rumors: Yannick Ngakoue Will Be Tagged And Possibly Traded, Giants Could Have Interest In DE

Yannick Ngakoue has joined a growing list of players that are expected to be hit with the franchise tag before the start of NFL free agency, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he’ll be staying put for the 2020 season. The Jacksonville Jaguars are likely to explore trading the defensive end, who has expressed a desire to play elsewhere.

Ngakoue has informed Jacksonville that he has no interest in signing a long-term contract with the Jaguars, hoping to join a new team. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Jacksonville will use the franchise tag on the 24-year-old and potentially make a trade.

The tag would prevent Ngakoue from hitting free agency and give him a one-year deal worth approximately $19.3 million guaranteed.

Several teams might be interested in trading for the talented young pass rusher. According to Matt Lombardo of nj.com, Ngakoue and the New York Giants would’ve had mutual interest if the defensive end hit the open market.

A potential trade might depend on Jacksonville’s asking price.

When the Houston Texans tagged Jadeveon Clowney last year, they traded him for two players and a third-round pick in August. The Seattle Seahawks tagged Frank Clark a year ago, only to trade him for a package that included a first-rounder and a second-rounder.

Jacksonville traded star cornerback Jalen Ramsey to the Los Angeles Rams for two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder in October. Ramsey, who is signed through 2020, made it clear that he no longer wanted to play with the Jaguars.

Ngakoue had eight sacks, an interception and four forced fumbles in the 2019 season. He’s had at least eight sacks in all four of his NFL seasons. Ngakoue had a career-high 12 sacks in 2017 when Jacksonville reached the AFC Championship Game, leading the league with six forced fumbles.

The Jaguars are 11-21 over the last two years, finishing in last place in the AFC South in both 2018 and 2019.