The New York Giants are headed into a crucial offseason in which they will have approximately $80 million in cap space. With money to spend and holes to fill, the Giants could be shopping near the top of the market.
The Giants’ defense was arguably the worst in the NFL in 2019. This is due to a supreme lack of talent on the defensive side of the ball. Most of the Giants’ defense was made up of rookies and second-year players. In free agency this offseason, the Giants will have the opportunity to add proven, veteran players to this defense.
One area that the Giants will look to improve is their pass-rush. New York has fallen out of Chase Young territory in the draft position since they now hold the 4th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, instead of the 2nd. To address this position of need, the Giants should look to free agency. Luckily, there is a talented pass-rush specialist out from Jacksonville about to hit the open market.
Yannick Ngakoue Stats And Highlights
The Jacksonville Jaguars have made it clear that resigning stud edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue is their “number one priority.” However, the two sides have not come close to making a deal. Last offseason, Ngakoue held out of training camp in hopes of a contract extension. The two sides have not been able to agree on a deal, which will lead to Yannick testing the market in 2020.
The Giants will be one of the richest teams at the start of the new League Year. With money to spend and a need for a pass-rusher, Yannick Ngakoue should be the Giants’ top free-agent target.
Yannick Ngakoue has had an impressive start to his young career. He might not be a game-breaking pass-rusher like Von Miller or Khalil Mack, but he is a highly productive player regardless.
Through 4 seasons, Ngakoue has totaled 37.5 sacks. He has not had a single season in his career with less than 8 sacks, hitting that number in all 4 seasons including a career-high 12 sacks in 2017. Additionally, Ngakoue has totaled 122 combined tackles over 4 years.
One of Yannick’s most impressive traits is his ability to create turnovers. He has forced 14 fumbles in his career so far, including a league-high 6 forced fumbles in his 2017 Pro Bowl campaign. Despite being a primary pass-rusher, Ngakoue has even recorded 2 interceptions in his career.
Huge strip sack and recovery for Yannick Ngakoue. His second week in a row with a strip sack and his sixth sack on the season. #HeATerp ?pic.twitter.com/6xTKxjZgfq
— Jordan Gold (@Jordan_Gold0) November 24, 2019
At only 24 years-old, Yannick Ngakoue would be a vital building block for the future of the Giants’ future. However, Yannick’s talents would not come cheap. The pass-rusher has an estimated market value of $17.1 million, according to Spotrac. This would create a large dent in the Giants’ salary cap. But at a position of such great need for the Giants, it would be worth it to pay for the upgrade with Yannick Ngakoue.