Yannick Ngakoue Reportedly Receives Franchise Tag from Jaguars

Timothy Rapp @@TRappaRTFeatured ColumnistMarch 13, 2020

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Yannick Ngakoue #91 of the Jacksonville Jaguars looks on during the second quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at TIAA Bank Field on December 01, 2019 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)

James Gilbert/Getty Images

It appeared earlier this offseason that Yannick Ngakoue was going to leave the Jacksonville Jaguars. Instead, he'll be remaining for at least one more year after Jacksonville franchise-tagged the defensive end Friday, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Ngakoue will earn $17.13 million next season.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
The #Jaguars have officially franchise tagged pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue, source said. Expected, but now official.

Ngakoue and the Jaguars seemed headed for a standoff this offseason after the defensive lineman publicly stated he wanted out in early March, and ESPN's Adam Schefter followed that up by reporting the Jags planned on hitting him with the franchise tag:

Yannick Ngakoue @YannickNgakoue
The Jaguars are aware I no longer have interest in signing a long term contract in Jacksonville. Duval, I love you and gave you guys everything I got. I’m thankful for the journey and look forward to continuing my career elsewhere. -91

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter
Jacksonville Jaguars will use their franchise tag on pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue, per league sources. The tag will allow them to try to trade him if that’s what they decide or are forced to do.

Ngakoue sat out 11 days of training camp a year ago amid a contract dispute with the team, and a reprisal seemed likely.

The 24-year-old has been a force in his four seasons, accumulating 37.5 sacks and 14 forced fumbles. He posted 41 tackles (13 for loss), eight sacks, four forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and an interception in 15 games last season.

Field Yates @FieldYates
Yannick Ngakoue since entering the NFL in 2016: ▫️1 of 7 players with at least 8 sacks in each season ▫️37.5 total sacks (2nd most of 2016 draft class) ▫️14 FF (fourth-most in NFL) ▫️85 QB hits (8th most in NFL) ▫️2017 Pro Bowl nod A true play-making edge rusher.

It would have been a major misstep for the Jaguars to lose such a talented and productive player, much as they did with wide receiver Allen Robinson and Dante Fowler Jr. in recent seasons. Keeping Ngakoue was an important move.

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