Report: Jaguars ‘extremely close’ to trading defensive end Yannick Ngakoue

According to a report from The Athletic’s Michael Lombardi, the Jaguars are “extremely close” in trading defensive end Yannick Ngakoue who was franchise tagged earlier this offseason.

Lombardi indicates that the trade is set to occur either today or tomorrow, and there is a firm offer in place, likely a second-round pick in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft. If the Jaguars were to trade the disgruntled defensive end for a second, it would be far below the original asking price of one or more first-round picks.

Ngakoue is still yet to report to training camp. General manager Dave Caldwell recently mentioned that he had been in contact with Ngakoue, but there really have not been any indications of him re-joining the team. Have the Jaguars finally decided to lower their asking price and simply cut ties with Ngakoue?

It’s also worth noting that if Ngakoue is traded, the team that acquires him cannot extend him until the offseason, as the franchise tag deadline passed last month. He would need to sign his tender before a trade can be executed.

While Lombardi does not specify which team is sending the offer, NFL insider Adam Caplan speculates it could be the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders were reportedly interested in Ngakoue leading up the NFL Draft, but talks fell through, and according to Caplan, Las Vegas pursued the defensive end once again prior to training camp.

Still, it is unclear at this point who the suitor is, but according Lombardi, we may soon find out sooner rather than later. Stay tuned to Big Cat Country for the latest.