A number of veteran edge rushers still find themselves without a contract for 2023, despite the post-draft free agent period being more than one month old at this point. One member of that group, Yannick Ngakoue, provided an update on his situation and what he is prioritizing on his next contract. 
The 28-year-old most recently played for the Colts following his trade from the Raiders. He racked up 9.5 sacks, making 2023 another season in which he posted considerable production in the pass-rush department. The team moved in a different direction this offseason, however, confirming in April that they would not re-sign him.
That decision left the former second-rounder in search of yet another new home. Ngakoue has spent time with five different teams since entering the league in 2016. The former second-rounder has posted no fewer than eight sacks in every season, though his struggles in run defense has limited his effectiveness and thus teams’ willingness to make a long-term commitment to him. Team success, rather than finances, now appear to be at the top of his priority list.
“I definitely want to play for a contender, play for a team and an organization that wants to win a Super Bowl,” Ngakoue said during an appearance on Sirius XM (video link). “That’s one of the things on my agenda, to be able to help and contribute to that. Hopefully I can get some great interest from a contender.”
The Maryland product could provide an intriguing edge rush boost to a team already boasting at least one established contributor in that department. Ngakoue’s 65 career sacks place him in a tie for seventh in the league since his arrival, so he should have at least a few suitors to choose from even in what has become a depressed market at the position this spring. He is remaining patient in his approach with respect to long-term fits, though.
“I think in the financial aspect, that has everything to do with my agent and whatever team I decide to go to,” Ngakoue said, noting the added appeal of a multi-year deal if one were to emerge. “I just feel like instead of doing business I’m looking to have a stable home.”
Such a viewpoint is understandable considering the degree to which the former Jaguars selection has bounced around the league. If he is indeed able to secure a deal with long-term implications, he could prove to be an effective add to a team eyeing a Super Bowl run in 2023.
Come back to Minnesota
Yannick – Dawuan Jones – Ed Oliver – Groot
Von Miller will be back at some point too.
Id rather make this move than DHop.
Don’t forget Boogie. #imawakefan
Bears, please. Give him a 2 year deal.
Ironically the Bears would probably be the best place for him to go. But his stance on Multi Year and Super Bowl bound this year probably eliminates them. The Bears will be better and will have the most Cap Space the next 2 years but they’re gonna want a show me deal first. Since he’s 28 and the Bears have 2 1st’s next year they can fix the problem then. They’ll probably just sign Clark for this year and be better off.
As many teams as he’s played for, I’m not sure he’s gonna have the luxury of waiting for a ‘more than one year’ commitment from a contender. And lousy against the run is a big drawback.
He might have the biggest value to a team like Buffalo or KC – teams that put up points.
The opposition is likely passing to keep up and it neutralizes his run weakness. Think Mathis and Freeney from the Colts circa 2005-2010-ish
In Buffalo he likely be rotating alot too.
But thats one man’s opinion. All players talk like winning is the only thing that matters until contract time. Then it shows that money always mattered more.
You’re right about more value with the Bills or Chiefs. A lot more pressure on him if he goes with a team like the Bears who are sorely lacking in effective edge rushers and were bad in run defense last year as well.
Is the 8ish Sacks worth it if he makes you an instant liability against both the running game and screens? No thanks.
For a guy who is noted as a good to great pass rusher, he gets passed around more than a joint at Snoop’s crib. And I’ll bet that there’s a good reason or two why.
Uhhhh bro. Snoop doesn’t pass a joint as his house…. just saying.
Why so many different teams already in his career? Productive, young… ish, yet can’t stick on a team. I wonder if there’s an attitude or work ethic issue. Just seems odd. Too productive to be jumping from team to team.