NY Jets, Yannick Ngakoue are a ‘free agency fit’ says one expert

The NY Jets and Yannick Ngakoue are a perfect ‘free agency fit’ says one well respected expert. Here are all the details and how this could transpire.

Marc Sessler of NFL.com played the Free Agency Matchmaker Game and paired every team in the NFL with a fun fit. For the NY Jets, he handed them the star pass rusher they’ve been searching years for: Yannick Ngakoue formerly of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

“The work-in-progress Jets are tasked with bolstering an offensive line that finished 30th in PFF’s pass-blocking efficiency metric last season while New York fielded the second-worst ground game in the NFL. Sam Darnold deserves — and requires — better care entering his third campaign, but Gang Green is saddled with another burning need: locating a game-altering pass rusher. Ngakoue would make for a juicy addition on a front seven welcoming back a healthy C.J. Mosley at inside linebacker while hoping for a breakout second season from lineman Quinnen Williams.”

How much will he cost?

According to Spotrac his projected market value is a five-year $85 million contract which averages out to $17.1 million per season.

Certainly a steep price, but you get what you pay for.

Yannick Ngakoue is young (24, will be 25 by the start of the 2020 season) and has been super productive. In four professional seasons he has racked up 37.5 sacks, 85 quarterback hits, 42 tackles for loss, and 14 forced fumbles.

Although according to the latest report on Monday, Ngakoue is looking for over $22 million per season. If that’s true a five year deal would cost $110 million with probably half of that guaranteed.

Although any dreams of the NY Jets signing Ngakoue to a record breaking deal may never come to fruition. Yannick could be franchise tagged by the Jaguars (and that tag would be for $19.3 million). The team can create enough cap room to make that happen with some roster cuts.

Although if that somehow doesn’t happen and Yannick reaches unrestricted free agency, the NY Jets should be first in line. Sure they have a bevy of needs on the offensive line, wide receiver, and at corner, but don’t disregard the need at edge rusher.