Report: Ngakoue talking with other teams, willing to play on tag elsewhere
Yannick Ngakoue remains intent on leaving the Jacksonville Jaguars, as the franchise-tagged defensive end has had contract discussions with other teams and is open to playing on the one-year tender elsewhere, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging to work out a multi-year extension, but failing to reach an agreement apparently wouldn't impact a potential trade. Instead, Schefter reports, the major holdup is Jacksonville's unwillingness to deal the young pass-rusher.
Ngakoue hasn't backed off his trade request and reportedly doesn't plan to sign his franchise tag in the immediate future.
The 25-year-old held out at the beginning of camp in 2019 before putting his contract demands on hold and reporting to the club. This year, the former third-round pick may avoid signing the tender until well into the summer, as he remains uninterested in negotiating a new deal with Jacksonville.
Ngakoue has posted at least eight sacks in all four seasons of his career. The 25-year-old had 12 sacks and six forced fumbles in 2017, earning his first Pro Bowl nod.