The Minnesota Vikings are reported to be bolstering their pass rush.
The departure of Everson Griffen left a hole opposite Pro Bowl pass rusher Danielle Hunter and the Minnesota Vikings looked to be moving forward with Ifeadi Odenigbo to hold down that spot on the defensive line.
However, that will not be the case according to a recent report stating that the Vikings have agreed to terms with the Jacksonville Jaguars on a deal that will land them defensive end Yannick Ngakoue.
Here is the report as shared by Adam Schefter on Twitter.
Jaguars agreed to trade franchise DE Yannick Ngakoue to Minnesota for a second- and conditional fifth-round pick that could go as high a third-round pick, league sources tell ESPN. Ngakoue still has to sign his tender, but trade is in place and Ngakoue is expected to be a Viking.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 30, 2020
In his four seasons with the Jaguars, Ngakoue has registered no fewer than eight sacks in each campaign, notching 12 quarterback takedowns during the 2017 NFL season. The 62 game starter is an established pass rusher and will fit in well with the Minnesota defense.
Standing 6-2 and weighing 246 pounds, Ngakoue was rumored to be getting closer to re-signing with the Jaguars but apparently the two sides couldn’t reach a deal that would work for both parties. Thankfully for the Vikings, Jacksonville’s loss will be Minnesota’s gain.
As far as compensation, the Vikings would be lucky to have selected a pass rusher with the technique and ability of Yannick Ngakoue in the second round in the draft and adding a conditional pick to the mix hedges the bet that Minnesota will only give up more compensation only if their new player is highly successful.
The best news of all is how the added pass rush will not only allow Odenigbo to be a rotational and situational pass rusher for the team but will make things easier on a defense that experienced a large turnover in their secondary this offseason.
Hopefully, there will be no issues with this trade and Yannick Ngakoue will sign his tender and be wearing a purple and gold jersey during the 2020 NFL season. Welcome to the Minnesota Vikings, Yannick!