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.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2020
As teams are now allowed to apply the franchise tag, it seems the Jacksonville Jaguars will do so with defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. This means the Indianapolis Colts are unlikely to have the chance at pursuing him in free agency.
Just because the franchise tag is being applied doesn’t mean the Colts can’t make a play for the 24-year-old pass rusher. It does mean that—barring the Jaguars rescinding the tag—Indy would have to make a trade for Ngakoue.
We know the Colts aren’t privy to giving up major trade assets for players, even if they are as established as Ngakoue. But the former third-round pick has made it clear he doesn’t want to sign a long-term deal with Jacksonville.
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
— Yannick Ngakoue (@YannickNgakoue) March 2, 2020
The biggest problem might not even be the price but the availability. The Jaguars probably won’t mind moving Ngakoue in a trade but doing so with a division rival makes it incredibly difficult for the Colts to pull off. This alone could keep the Colts from acquiring Ngakoue.
What a trade for Ngakoue would look like is tough to predict. The Colts won’t give up their first-round pick in this year’s draft for him, but they would have to pay up in some way. It likely includes draft capital but the Colts may have to also throw in a player that might intrigue the Jaguars.
A few players come to mind there. One of which would be Quincy Wilson, who is on the final year of his rookie contract. He hasn’t been able to make his mark in the cornerback room and the Colts don’t seem likely to re-sign the Florida product. Maybe package Wilson with a pick or two and see if the Jaguars really want to get Ngakoue off of the books.
The Colts can cover the expected $19.3 million for the franchise tag, but they would immediately have to work on a long-term deal.
Ngakoue would be a fantastic addition to the defensive line and while the price isn’t clear, the Colts should certainly pursue a trade for the edge rusher.