REPORT: TRADE INTEREST REMAINS FOR YANNICK NGAKOUE

Yannick Ngakoue (David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire)

Ian Rapoport is being told there's still interest in a potential trade for Yannick Ngakoue. 

BY JORDAN DE LUGO

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According to Ian Rapoport, there is still interest around the league in a potential trade for disgruntled Jaguars' pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue. 

The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Ngakoue earlier this offseason. The deadline for Ngakoue and the Jaguars to agree to a new contract is Wednesday at 4 pm EST. Yan has been steadfast in his desire to be traded, but there are significant hurdles for a potential trade partner to clear.

The Jaguars have reportedly asked for a first-round pick and them some in return for Ngakoue. It's hard to blame them. Dave Caldwell has repeatedly said that he'd like to keep Ngakoue around and reach a long-term deal with him. Ngakoue is one of the premier strip-sack artists in the league — a true game-changer. 

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Not only would a trade partner have to give up a bevy of draft or player capital, but they'd also need to willing to pay Ngakoue top dollar, otherwise they'd potentially be trading for a one-year lease. The ascending edge rusher has stated his desire to be paid as one of the top defensive ends in football and is unlikely to sign for a deal that doesn't include $50+ million (or more) in guarantees.

If no trade or long term deal can be reached, Ngakoue will be forced to play under the franchise tag in 2020 or not play at all. He'd earn a guaranteed $17.88 million by signing the franchise tag and playing out the 2020 season. Considering he's made less than $5 million in his career to date, that would be a massive amount of money to skip out on. 

We'll provide updates on the situation as needed. 

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