NFL Rumors: Chris Jones, Yannick Ngakoue, Matt Judon May Be Tagged, Traded

Chris Jones, Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon reportedly are among the high-profile names who could be franchise tagged then traded later this offseason. 

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network updated the statuses of three of the biggest defensive names on the market. Reports have already indicated all three players will be franchised by their respective teams.

Of the three, Ngakoue appears likeliest to be headed elsewhere this offseason. The 2017 Pro Bowler informed the Jaguars he does not plan to sign a long-term contract with the franchise. 

"The Jaguars are aware I no longer have interest in signing a long term contract in Jacksonville," Ngakoue tweeted Monday. "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."

It's unclear if Ngakoue plans to hold out at this time, but the overwhelming odds would favor him sitting out the Jaguars' entire offseason program and at least part of the preseason in order to force a trade. The Jaguars could see the writing on the wall and attempt to facilitate a deal ahead of next month's draft. Ngakoue recorded 41 tackles and eight sacks in 2018, his fourth straight season with at least eight sacks.

Jones and Judon would likely prefer to stay in their current locations, though one or both could fall victim to a cap crunch. The Chiefs are looking at a record-setting Patrick Mahomes extension in the near future and already gave Frank Clark a huge contract to fortify their defensive line last season. Jones said he wants to be a Chief "for life" after their Super Bowl victory. 

"You actually got to sit back and enjoy the moment cause you don't get these moments often. I'm so grateful to be on this team, man," Jones told reporters. "Kansas City, I know I don't talk about it much but I want to be a Chief for life. I plan to stay here forever, man, and win not only one championship, two, three, four. We got to build a dynasty here."

If Kansas City moves on, it'll be a largely financially motivated decision.

Judon seems almost certain to return to Baltimore. The Ravens lost Za'Darius Smith to the Green Bay Packers last offseason, and it seems unlikely they'd want to lose their top pass rusher for a second straight season.