Detroit Lions: Vikings trade for Yannick Ngakoue spells trouble for NFC North
The Minnesota Vikings acquisition of disruptive pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue spells trouble for the Detroit Lions and rest of the NFC North division.
Detroit Lions fans beware… early Sunday morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Jacksonville Jaguars agreed to trade franchise defensive end Yannick Ngakoue to the Minnesota Vikings. The trade sends a second-round pick in 2021, as well as a conditional fifth-round pick in 2022 that could escalate as high as the third round over to the Jaguars.
Now that the framework of this trade is in place, Ngakoue will be expected to sign his franchise tender and join the Vikings. According to Schefter, sources are stating that the fifth-rounder will elevate to a fourth-round pick in the event the pass-rusher makes the Pro Bowl this season, and a third-round pick if he accomplishes the feat and the Vikings win the Super Bowl.
At just 25-years old, Ngakoue is likely to torment the Lions offensive line for years to come. The disgruntled end did not sign his franchise tender with Jacksonville before the July 15th deadline, and as a result, will play this season under the team’s franchise tag, which is valued at $17.8 million.
More from Detroit Jock City
- Tigers Sign Manager A.J. Hinch to Long-Term Extension
- Lions vs. Bears Week 14 Opening Odds Disrespect Detroit
- Former Tigers Celebrate Jim Leyland Hall of Fame Call
- This Pistons Team Could be the Worst in Detroit Sports History
- 4 Free Agents Tigers Should Sign During Winter Meetings
It is expected that during that time, both he and the Vikings will negotiate a long-term deal. It’s safe to assume that teams within the NFC North division will be investing plenty of draft capital at the tackle position in the near future in an attempt to slow Ngakoue.
After just four seasons with the Jaguars, he ranks second all-time in team history with 37.5 sacks.
Furthermore, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and running backs like Kerryon Johnson and D’Andre Swift will have to be extra careful and tuck the ball while in Ngakoue’s presence.
Since 2016, his 14 forced fumbles trail only Chandler Jones, T.J. Watt, and Khalil Mack throughout the National Football League.
The acquisition of Ngakoue will essentially answer the question of who is replacing recently departed Minnesota defensive end, Everson Griffen, for the Vikings.
He will place an incredible amount of pressure from the edge on opposing offenses and be an immediate upgrade to what can be considered a weak defensive line for the team.
While this was a big move for the Minnesota Vikings, it is not all bad news for Detroit Lions fans, though.
The move may potentially impact the status of Dalvin Cook’s contract extension situation with the Vikings. After talks earlier this offseason reportedly fell through the running back is unlikely to reach an agreement with the team this season.
This is a narrative that may ultimately lead to the back becoming disgruntled and forcing a trade away from Minnesota in the near or distant future.
He will have no long-term financial security because Minnesota is using up the remainder of its cap space in the deal for Ngakoue. This is good news for the Lions front-seven because Cook is one of the best ball carriers in the league.
Ngakoue is a game-changing nightmare and will wreak havoc in the Lions backfield and against the rest of the NFC North all season long.
This is bad news for Detroit and their playoff aspirations because Ngakoue will be playing the entire season with a chip on his shoulder, and his ears pinned back, intending to prove he is worthy of a long-term contract extension.
Trending. Detroit Lions: 3 players excelling throughout training camp. light
To make matters worse, the Detroit Lions will have to face him twice in 2020.