Jacksonville Jaguars: Will Yannick Ngakoue sit out 2019 season?
By Larry Brake
Will Yannick Ngakoue sit out until the Jacksonville Jaguars give him a new contract, even if it means missing the 2019 season?
The Jacksonville Jaguars are on the cusp of challenging for a Super Bowl appearance. However, having a great and talented roster means that they want big money contracts. Yannick Ngakoue is currently sitting out as he looks for a big paycheck.
Ngakoue did not attend the mandatory minicamp this past June. A recent report from Jacksonville.com that his holdout might spill over into the regular season. Would he really miss this upcoming season instead of testing the free agent market?
Ngakoue has played at a very high level since his rookie season in 2016. He was selected in the third round after Jalen Ramsey and Myles Jack. Ramsey and Jack are wanting big new contracts as well.
Could it be that Ngakoue sees himself as the odd player out in big money contract extensions? After all, Ramsey is an elite cornerback and will get a huge contract. Jack is the only remaining starting linebacker from the 2017 AFC South championship team.
The Jaguars drafted Josh Allen as a potential replacement for Ngakoue in the latest NFL draft. Allen is not at NFL game speed yet. Ngakoue should reconsider his contract holdout and have a tremendous 2019 season.
Since the 2016 season, he has started 47 of 48 games. He has recorded 29.5 sacks and has forced 10 fumbles. He has made 81 tackles and an nabbing an interception. Ngakoue has definitely made his mark in the Jaguars defensive scheme.
The big question concerning his contract demands is, what is his market value? Ngakoue’s market value contract is estimated to be, according to Spotrac.com, five years worth $89.78 million. Ngakoue would earn an average of $17.9 million each year.
If he sits out this season, he would be making a mistake. He is in the final year of his rookie contract. The Jaguars do not have to offer him an extension since he is currently under contract.
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Ngakoue needs to show up to training camp and have his best season of his career. He would be able to demand a high price for his services after a sensational season. He could test the free agent market unless Jacksonville slaps the franchise tag on him. Ngakoue is one of the cornerstones of the Jaguars defense. He needs to be patient with getting his next contract. Hopefully, he plays in 2019.