The Jaguars couldn’t have handled the Yannick Ngakoue situation any worse, with the entire league knowing they plan to trade him, but they still can’t get him off their books.
Ngakoue remains the only NFL player to have not signed their franchise tender (which would have been worth $17.8 million for this season), making it clear that he not only wants out of Jacksonville, but that he also seeks a long-term contract.
That’s made him very difficult to move, as any team that is looking to make a play for him would essentially have to agree to a “sign-and-trade,” similar to what we see in the NBA. The problem is that it’s a tough sell to give up a second or third-round draft pick, and also commit to a player who a team has not had in their building long-term.
Ngakoue has hinted he’s wanted out of Jacksonville for quite some time, and the Jaguars should have moved him a year ago. It’s now become extremely difficult to do so, and it’s actually possible that he could be on the team’s roster in Week 1 — sitting on the bench. Many have assumed the Jaguars will move him soon, but it doesn’t look like that’ll be happening, according to a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Media.
“I’m not saying it couldn’t happen, but as of now, no trade is imminent or close,” Rapoport said on “Good Morning Football.” “And several of the teams that are reported to be involved, including the Jets, are not actually involved. There could be a market, I know the Jaguars have had certainly some interest in trading Yannick Ngakoue, it’s something they would absolutely consider for the right price. You look at this guy, he’s young, he’s a pass rusher, premier position, he makes a lot of money, which makes it hard for a lot of teams to take on in a pandemic but the price is going to be high. You’re looking at probably a second-round pick or better.”
The Jaguars front office is an absolute mess, and it’s hard to see general manager Dave Caldwell holding the same position this time next year.
