5 players the Minnesota Vikings should trade for in 2019
By Adam Patrick
Yannick Ngakoue – DE (Jacksonville Jaguars)
The Vikings already have a very talented defensive end under 25-years-old in Danielle Hunter, so why not add another in Ngakoue?
Like Hunter, Ngakoue is a bit undersized (6-foot-2, 246 pounds). But he makes up for it with speed and power, which has led him to becoming a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks.
In three seasons with the Jaguars, the talented pass rusher has racked up a total of 29.5 sacks and 70 quarterback hits. His sack total over the last three years is the sixth-highest of any defensive end in the NFL during this time period.
The former college teammate of current Minnesota wide receiver Stefon Diggs is entering the final year of his rookie contract and it only carries a salary cap hit of around $1 million. So Ngakoue’s current deal is certainly affordable for the Vikings.
Considering his production over the last three seasons, one would believe that he would be a prime candidate for an extension from Jacksonville this offseason. However, the Jaguars only have about $3.5 million in cap space currently, so some major moves would likely have to be made if they do actually want to extend Ngakoue.
With Everson Griffen not getting any younger, Minnesota would gladly take the talented Jaguars defensive end if he becomes available this offseason.