The Jacksonville Jaguars intend to place the franchise tag on edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue, which is bad news for both he and the New York Giants.
Ngakoue seemed genuinely excited by the prospect of free agency, and was spotted on social media flirting with the Giants and their fans numerous times this year. Needless to say, he wasn’t thrilled to learn that he’d be tagged.
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
As it turns out, Ngakoue may have ultimately gotten what he wanted if not for the franchise tag.
Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media reports that there was a mutual interest between Ngakoue and the Giants, although no one-on-one conversation had taken place based on the rules outlined in the collective bargaining agreement.
Had Ngakoue reached free agency, there would have been mutual interest between the Giants and the team and 24-year-old pass-rusher, according to multiple individuals familiar with the GIants’ plans and Ngakoue’s thinking.
Ultimately, the Jaguars may view this as an opportunity to get something in exchange for Ngakoue, who is unlikely to play on the franchise tag.
Could the Giants come calling? It’s certainly possible, says Lombardo.
It is unlikely that Ngakoue will play for the Jaguars under the franchise tag, which would force Jacksonville to trade him. The Giants certainly have the cap space, upwards of $73.9 million to spend, as well as a dire need for an elite pass rusher. What is not known is if the Giants and Jaguars will be able to come to terms on a trade.
The Giants could benefit from the Jaguars’ limited leverage in this situation after Ngakoue has publicly said his goodbyes to the Jaguars. In a similar situation last August, the Houston Texans traded edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney to the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for Jacob Martin, edge rusher Barkevious Mingo, and a third-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
The problem for Giants general manager Dave Gettleman is that he’s already spent two draft picks on Leonard Williams, who may not re-sign, leaving the team in need for more draft assets. As a result, they may not have the ammunition needed to pull off a potential trade for Ngakoue.
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