Yannick Ngakoue officially a holdout for 2020 Jaguars training camp

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue is officially a holdout as training camp is now underway at TIAA Bank Field.

Speaking to reporters for the first time, head coach Doug Marrone said he hasn’t spoken to Ngakoue and that he hasn’t reported or signed his franchise tag.

Jacksonville is looking for at least first round pick compensation. I think a lot of people believe the Jaguars are ready to move Ngakoue on how quickly we let Jalen Ramsey go in a trade, but you have to remember... the Los Angeles Rams offered us two first round picks for him! That’s a king’s ransom. You don’t turn down that offer unless it’s for a Patrick Mahomes caliber quarterback. Dave Caldwell is sitting tight and he’ll force Yannick to play out his contract (and whatever subsequent franchise tags he decides to throw on him) or sit out the season, resulting in Yannick missing out on the money and the additional year of accrual. That delays his progress towards free agency.

Personally, I just can’t see Yannick giving up the money or the ability to get a year closer to free agency. For better or worse, the Jaguars hold all the cards on this one. But we’ll keep you updated as we learn more.