The Philadephia Eagles can use another top-flight pass rusher and one of the premier defensive ends in the NFL wants out of Jacksonville.
On Monday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter is reporting that the Jags are expected to franchise tag Yannick Ngakoue while looking for a trade partner if they can’t find a longterm deal.
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
Ngakoue made it clear that he’s not interested and would prefer to move on.
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
With the Jaguars placing the franchise tag on Ngakoue, as one of the top-five players at his position, he’ll be looking at an average salary of $19 million.
Ngakoue is only 24 and has missed just one game in his four-year career and has accumulated 37.5 sacks and has forced 14 fumbles, fourth in NFL over that span behind Khalil Mack (17), Chandler Jones (17) and T.J. Watt (15).
Philadelphia currently has Graham, Vinny Curry, Derek Barnett, Josh Sweat, and Genard Avery under contract at defensive end.
Curry is set to be a free agent and will likely return.