The Minnesota Vikings and Jacksonville Jaguars have finalized a deal to bring Yannick Ngakoue to Minnesota for two draft picks.
The Jaguars are receiving a second and conditional fifth-round pick, that could end up being a fourth or third-round pick. Besides, the conditional pick depends on Ngakoue and the Viking’s success.
*all stats from pro-football-reference.com*
Ngakoue is entering his fifth year in the league. Therefore, he was drafted by the Jaguars in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. In his four seasons, he has recorded 37.5 sacks and 122 combined tackles. Also, he has 42 tackles for a loss, and 14 forced fumbles. Also, he made the Pro Bowl in 2017.
Ngakoue clearly didn’t want to be in Jacksonville for much longer and wanted a change in scenery. For instance, he was the only player to not sign his franchise tender this offseason.
Adding More Talent to an Already Talented D-Line
The Vikings defensive line will only get better by adding Ngakoue, as they already have Danielle Hunter. Hunter, who came into the league one year earlier than Ngakoue, has made the Pro Bowl twice in his career and has recorded 54.5 sacks. They are both only 25 years of age. In other words, the Vikings are set for the future if they keep both of them.
Further, the Vikings signed defensive tackle Michael Pierce in the offseason to a three-year, $27 million contract. He chose to opt-out of the season but will be back for next season if the league is back to normal. Even if the Vikings play a 3-4 next year, a defensive line of Hunter, Pierce, and Ngakoue will be something to watch.
Ngakoue’s Contract
The Vikings can restructure Ngakoue’s contract and end up only paying $12 to $13 million, $5 million less than expected. After which, they can agree on a long-term deal in 2021.
If the Vikings can sign Ngakoue to a long-term deal and keep Hunter, there is no doubt that Mike Zimmer’s defense becomes one of the best in the league.
