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Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue may not have received the contract extension he was hoping for this offseason, but that hasn’t stopped him from going on the field and proving himself. In fact, despite having to battle through an injury, he’s been one of the defense’s best players (which is no surprise) accumulating 23 tackles, four sacks, a pick-six and a Pro Football Focus grade of 70.4.
Of course, one person who has taken note to Ngakoue’s 2019 campaign is Jags coach Doug Marrone, who praise the fourth year edge rusher’s efforts and told the media that he’s improved both as a pass rusher and run defender.
“When you see the production by him you have to remember that teams are doing a lot to stop him, especially in the pass rush phase,” Marrone said about Ngakoue. “He’s had a bunch of quality rushes, but he also has a bunch of double teams that he’s fighting through or chips. I think he has improved greatly in the run game; I think he’s done a really good job there, and I think he has improved as a pass rusher and has done an excellent job.”
Clearly, Marrone understands that having Ngakoue makes his roster better. He also understands that Ngakoue has been a key figure in his locker room when it comes to leadership — something the Jags lacked in 2018.
The Jags reportedly shot Ngakoue at least one deal this offseason which would’ve paid him over $50 million over two years and would’ve came in at an annual amount of $19 million, however, the guaranteed amount that would’ve came with that deal is unknown. At the rate he’s playing, there is certainly now a stronger case for a better deal and one in which should exceed two to three years. Add in the fact that the team already loss Jalen Ramsey earlier this season and it appears Ngakoue could put the Jags in a predicament where not paying him would absolutely look bad on the organization’s part.