7 free agents under 25-years-old the Vikings could sign in 2020
By Dean Jones
Yannick Ngakoue – DE
Yannick Ngakoue is going to be one of the most coveted free agents on the market in 2019. The former Jacksonville Jaguars standout is a physical freak that has developed into one of the most feared pass-rushers in the NFL.
With just four years of experience under his belt, Ngakoue has so much time to improve even further with added experience.
The former third-round selection out of Maryland has accumulated 37.5 sacks during his pro career, including eight last year. He also has 122 total tackles, two interceptions, and a hugely impressive 14 forced fumbles.
Ngakoue can operate at either defensive end or the outside linebacker position and he can wreak havoc when he is firing on all cylinders. Although his run defending needs significant work, his ability to get to the quarterback more than makes up for this liability.
The 24-year-old possesses incredible athleticism and he now has the skills to use his hands the right way. He was a raw product coming out of college, but Ngakoue developed under the Jacksonville coaching staff extremely well and they deserve an enormous amount of credit.
Spotrac projects Ngakoue to command an annual salary of $17.1 million with his next deal. This would put him firmly out of the Vikings’ reach unless they make some substantial sacrifices. This appears unlikely given their needs elsewhere and the strict salary cap they have to work with.