Yannick Ngakoue doesn’t seem to care about his market value. He’s not doing the Jacksonville Jaguars any favors — and, in turn, he’s not exactly helping himself. He wants the team to trade him, and he’s been very vocal about it. Though he probably should try to wait patiently while the team fields offers for him, he instead decided to pick a fight with the Jaguars co-owner Tony Khan on Twitter on Monday.
Ngakoue made yet another demand to get traded. And Khan reiterated how challenging it will be to trade Ngakoue when he’s making public trade demands and open shows of frustration. It’s a cycle of tension. Neither party is helping the other. Here’s a look at their exchange on Twitter.
I’m not in hiding sir, I’m in isolation getting ready for the draft. I’ve been pretty active on social media in isolation, but you wouldn’t know that since you unfollowed me (again).
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) April 20, 2020
It’s a new regime here sir. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the contributions you made here. That said, tweeting insults at me won’t get you traded any faster. Only good trade compensation will do that. Please redirect your efforts into a more productive outlet
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) April 20, 2020
Show me the compensation. I’m sure you’re really driving up the price today btw.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) April 20, 2020
The NFL draft, which starts on Thursday, could help free up what seems to be a logjam of negotiations. At a certain point, one NFL team might realize that Ngakoue could help them more than whoever they draft. And perhaps that will leave the defensive end and the Jaguars ownership happy. It’s just a matter of leverage. The Jaguars can’t ask for decent compensation for their elite pass-rusher when he’s making a stink about leaving. What’s more, Ngakoue’s next team — if he moves — will likely have to negotiate a new deal. That adds a layer of difficulty.
For now, a trade seems to be getting more complicated — rather than simpler. It seems Ngakoue will have to wait patiently, something he’s had difficulty doing. Perhaps the Jaguars will find a trade partner in the coming days.
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