A long-term relationship between Yannick Ngakoue and the Jacksonville Jaguars isn’t to be, but he and the New York Jets may be a dream football pairing.
While most tend to migrate from the New York area to Florida, Yannick Ngakoue could make the rare reverse trip.
The Jacksonville Jaguars defender has made it clear that he does not intend to ink a long-term deal in Duval, opening the door to a potential trade. Thus likely ends a four-year relationship between Ngakoue and the Jaguars, one that included a trip to the 2018 AFC title game.
While Ngakoue hinted that he might look good clad in New York’s blue, there are several reasons to believe he may be better suited for the literally greener shades of the New York Jets…
Jamal Adams Approves
Every decision made over the next decade of New York Jets football should revolve around one question…does it make Jamal Adams happy? If so, do that thing.
After an awkward trade deadline period, the Jets have some amends to make with their All-Pro safety. General manager Joe Douglas made a big step in making things right during Combine week in Indianapolis by declaring that the team wants to make Adams a Jet “for life”.
In regards to that first question, social media interactions certainly seemed to hint that Adams would have no issues with bringing with the lineman/linebacker. Ali Ashraf noted on Twitter that Adams and Ngakoue exchanged pleasantries on Instagram under a post from the NFL’s official account that revealed that the Jaguars planned to franchise tag Ngakoue. This exchange included Ngakoue inviting Adams to “HMP” (hit my phone).
The Jets Need Pressure and Turnovers
Ngakoue routinely entered the nightmares of AFC South backfields. Over four seasons in central Floridian teal, Ngakoue has tallied 37.5 sacks, good for 12th in the NFL in that span. In that same period, only three Jets have managed to reach double digits (Adams, Jordan Jenkins, and the departed Leonard Williams).
Playing in the AFC East guarantees six yearly matchups with Buffalo, Miami, and New England. The Bills have set themselves up nicely to be the heir to the Patriots throne, partially through the selection of mobile threat quarterback Josh Allen. Buffalo is 5-2 when Allen reaches at least 50 yards rushing, and his ledger improves to 11-3 when he reached the end zone on the ground. The Dolphins and, for the first time in forever, the Patriots, are in flux at their quarterback spots. Upcoming draft proceedings could see one, or both, add a mobile threat like Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa. The Jets ranked 23rd in sacks last season with 35.
Ngakoue also made a name for himself by forcing turnovers, creating 14 fumbles and two interceptions. The Jets forced only 10 fumbles last season, 25th in the NFL.
There Might Be Just Enough Draft Capital
Obviously, the chance to not only add Ngakoue but attempt to keep him on a long-term deal will come at a price. Fortunately for the Jets, if they wish to join the sweepstakes, they may have enough draft material to work with.
The Jets lack a seventh-rounder but did obtain an extra third when they dealt the aforementioned Williams to the New York Giants. One of their third-round choices could be dealt with Jacksonville for Ngakoue. Perhaps a big cap hit could accompany the pick, like that of cornerback Trumaine Johnson ($12 million) or linebacker Avery Williamson ($8.5 million).
Bringing Ngakoue would also strengthen a need area (the front six) without using a high draft pick. Bulking up their offensive line should remain the priority when it comes to free agency and the draft, but bringing in Ngakoue in exchange for picks and cap removals could get the offseason transaction period off to a strong start.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags