4 bombshell trades the Minnesota Vikings could make before Week 1
By Dean Jones
Yannick Ngakoue – DE
The future of Yannick Ngakoue is still up in the air with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The stud defensive end has been at odds with the organization ever since he was placed on the franchise tag and the situation does not seem to be getting better anytime soon.
There was plenty of speculation that Ngakoue would be traded in recent days. Nothing has materialized as yet, but that does not mean the Jaguars would not be willing to move the player on if they receive an acceptable offer.
Ngakoue is a relentless force on the line of scrimmage who made an instant impact in the NFL. He is versatile, physically imposing, and provides explosiveness that makes him a nightmare to block for opposing offensive linemen.
His relationship with the Jaguars might be past the point of no return. This is something the Minnesota Vikings could take full advantage of to bolster their defensive front, but whether they want to part with substantial draft capital to make this sort of move remains to be seen.
The pass-rushing phenomenon has been nothing short of exceptional over his four-year stay in Jacksonville. Ngakoue has recorded 37.5 sacks, 122 combined tackles, 105 solo tackles, 85 quarterback hits, 42 tackles for loss, 14 forced fumbles, and nine pass deflections throughout his career. And there is nothing to suggest the player cannot get even better over time.
The Vikings have Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter and the progressive Ifeadi Odenigbo replacing Everson Griffen. Ngakoue’s versatility could also see him play on the interior in pass-rushing situations, which is a factor in his game that should not be overlooked.