Potential landing spots for the Colts free agents still searching for a new team
Potential landing spot for Yannick Ngakoue
Indianapolis traded for Yannick Ngakoue one season ago, knowing he had just one year left on his contract. However, the team was hoping that Ngakoue would improve Indy’s pass rush so that the team could be better late in the season and contend for a title. Ngakoue did help Indy’s pass rush improve, however, the team was only 4-12-1, so that pass rush didn’t have a chance to shine late in the year.
Now, Ngakoue is a free agent and it seems like the team has moved on. The Colts signed defensive end Samson Ebukam to a three-year deal, and it’s unlikely that they’ll also still bring back Ngakoue. However, Yannick Ngakoue has been a consistently productive pass rusher since he entered the NFL, so he’ll surely have suitors. What seems like a top landing spot for Ngakoue?
Chicago Bears could sign Yannick Ngakoue
There have been a lot of discussions about Ngakoue possibly joining the Chicago Bears. Some of the discussion has been about how Ngakoue is not necessarily the best fit for Matt Eberflus’ defense. However, the Bears need help at defensive end, and Ngakoue may best provide that help, regardless of his fit.
Chicago was in line to select an edge rusher like Will Anderson, but after trading back to No. 9, the Bears will likely miss out on the first few defensive linemen off the board. Signing Ngakoue, even if just for a year, would be an improvement for the Bears. For that reason, Chicago is still in play to add Ngakoue.
Considering the value that pass rushers have in football, especially for the postseason, Ngakoue will likely have some interest from contending teams as well. It’ll be interesting to see if a team like the Bears can get Yannick Ngakoue to sign if he’s receiving interest from teams that will be competing for a championship next season.