Jacksonville Jaguars players and coaches provided a warm welcome back to defensive end Yannick Ngakoue on Sunday morning, as the fourth year player put an end to what had been a contentious hold out since late May.
While the personnel around the team was undoubtedly excited to have back one of their most important defensive weapons, Ngakoue made it clear during an interview with local media following the Jaguars final practice before heading to Baltimore later today that negotiations have indeed stalled between the two sides.
#Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue: "They had a chance to sign me for a long-term deal but it didn't get done. It is what it is. I love football, love my teammates, and I'm here to play games."
— Phillip Heilman (@phillip_heilman) August 4, 2019
Could a deal get done before the season?
"It's out of my hands. I don't even know."
Though he did slightly leave the door open for the possibility of a deal to still get worked out before the season, things certainly sound like both sides are prepared to enter the ‘19 season playing out the remaining days of his original deal.
As mentioned previously, the majority of the risk here now rests on the shoulders of the player and his representation, but it appears as though Ngakoue and his camp are comfortable assuming that risk.
Not a great look right now for either side.