Yannick Ngakoue’s business nightmare could finally end.
Athletic’s Michael Lombardi reported on Wednesday that the Jaguars are making several offers for the disgruntled defensive end and a deal may be imminent.
“According to NFL sources, Jacksonville is extremely close to negotiating with Yannick Ngakoue today or tomorrow, have a firm offer in place – (hear two),” he wrote on Twitter. “Looks like this blockage will be over soon and Jacksonville will have more options for its tanking….”
The Eagles and Raiders have both been linked with Ngakoue this offseason.
The 25-year-old, tagged in the franchise, began requesting a trade via social media in March and reiterated his desire to leave while taking numerous photos of the team.
“The Jaguars are aware that I have no interest in signing a long-term contract in Jacksonville,” he wrote in March. “Duval, I love you and gave you everything I had. I am grateful for this trip and look forward to continuing my career elsewhere. “
Ngakoue was Jacksonville’s 2016 third-round pick from Maryland and has 122 tackles, 37.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and two interceptions in four seasons and has a Pro Bowl nomination. Since joining the squad, however, the Jaguars have suffered greatly, finishing last in the AFC South in three out of four seasons.
“I really want to be part of a team that has a great culture and winning is a habit,” he told ESPN in April. “I don’t want to be part of a team where losing is a norm or anything of that nature.
“I’m in the top 5 defense in this league – top 3 – my game couldn’t be seen like that in Jacksonville – not having too many prime-time games. So if I end up landing on a prime-time team, hopefully I can show the world what I can do.
Jacksonville applied the franchise tag to Ngakoue in March worth $ 19.3 million. It was previously reported that a number of teams were interested in trading for the 6-foot-2, 246-pound rusher, but the Jaguars have been patient at least up to this point.
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