All the attention around the NFL was understandably focused on the running back market yesterday, but a number of veterans at other positions have been done little favors during the 2023 offseason. The edge rush market has remained stagnant through to the onset of training camps. 
That has left Yannick Ngakoue on the open market despite a track record of performances as a sack artist. The 28-year-old has played for five different teams during his seven-year career, spending the 2022 campaign with the Colts. He led the team with 9.5 sacks, but it has been known for some time that another move will be required when he joins his next club.
Ngakoue had previously stated an intention of signing a multi-year deal with a contending team. Doing so would allow the former second-rounder to find some stability during his NFL career, while also providing an established pass-rushing contribution in the process. Ngakoue has recorded at least eight sacks every year in his career to date. His stance on his next destination appears to have shifted, however.
“Any team in the NFL is an ideal landing spot for me,” the Maryland product said during an appearance on the Jim Rome Show (video link). “It’s a blessing to be able to work any job in the NFL. Being able to go and practice with a team, go through walk-throughs, go through film study, it’s a blessing. It doesn’t matter what organization in particular.”
A report from last month indicated Ngakoue was seeking between $8 and $10MM per season on his next contract, a figure he is unlikely to be able to reach. The one-year pacts signed by fellow veteran edge rushers Leonard Floyd and Frank Clark checked in at $7MM and $5.5MM, respectively, in terms of base compensation. Those marks are likely more realistic for Ngakoue and other free agents like Justin Houston, Robert Quinn and Jadeveon Clowney with training camps just around the corner.
Movement on the edge market can be expected soon, given the depth of options still available and the degree to which contributors can thus be had on relatively inexpensive deals. Ngakoue will be a name to watch in that regard, especially if he is willing to consider essentially any potential destination.
“Any team in the NFL is an ideal landing spot for me,”
Finally a player speaks the truth! And I would agree, who pays the most?
The RB’s could learn from him. Barkley turned down $13m & now $10m while threatening to sit out?
Bears have plenty of cap space and need DL. Sign him
Bears!
Beers!
Love his attitude
In other words “I don’t care if they win. I just want the most money I can get”, which is perfectly fine to think.
Dirty player. Intentionally took out Logan Thomas with a low shot to the knee away from the play.
Honesty, not bout wins n losses it’s bout Benjamin Franklin’s, true football mercenary
Dude might be one of the most overrated players in the last 10 years.