Lions: Three DE’s Detroit Should Target in Free Agency

Yannick Ngakoue

The 25-year old Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end is having himself a very nice season.  Similar to both Darius Slay and Damon Harrison, Yannick Ngakoue held out of training camp, trying to send a message to management that he’s interested in obtaining a new contract.

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Like Slay, Ngakoue eventually reported without a new deal.  He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent if the Jaguars are unable to come to an agreement with the star end.

Yannick Ngakoue has recorded 8 sacks on the season, two away from making it three consecutive double-digit sack seasons – pretty impressive for a player potentially landing on the available list.

Unlike many of the names mentioned on the first page of this article, Yannick has plenty of tread left on his tires.  Teams will be overpaying for the likes of Michael Bennett or Robert Quinn when signing Ngakoue to something in the neighborhood of a five-year deal will produce similar numbers immediately and in the future.

Ngakoue has compiled 8 sacks to go along with his 30 tackles and 29 hurries. He’s also forced 3 fumbles this year.  He’s a fantastic pass-rusher, and he plays the run reasonably well.  He struggles to tackle at times, as he’s missed a career-high 8 tackles on the season; something Patricia will frown upon.

Yannick is a player the Jaguars will definitely be hoping to retain, IF he lands on the open market he would be a significant upgrade opposite Trey Flowers on the Detroit Lions defensive line.