Raiders, Yannick Ngakoue Close To Deal

The Raiders are close to landing one of the top edge rushers available. Yannick Ngakoue and the Raiders are nearing an agreement, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Las Vegas moved onto the Ngakoue radar last year, and the team has a big need for pass-rushing help. Ngakoue, whom two teams traded last year, would certainly help provide that valuable skill.

While Ngakoue rose to prominence during Doug Marrone‘s Jaguars tenure, he came to Jacksonville during Gus Bradley‘s tenure. The Raiders hired Bradley as their defensive coordinator earlier this year. This would be a big get for a team that has struggled to pressure quarterbacks since trading Khalil Mack nearly three years ago.

Despite having played five seasons, Ngakoue will only turn 26 at the end of this month. The former third-round pick has registered 45.5 career sacks. Although the Ravens did not use him extensively in the playoffs, Ngakoue still posted eight sacks in Baltimore and Minnesota last year. The Jags placed the franchise tag on him in 2020 and traded him to the Vikings, after the Raiders had shown interest. The Vikings then shipped him to the Ravens. It looks like the veteran defensive end will land his long-sought-after long-term deal soon.

If signed, Ngakoue would lead a Raiders edge group housing Maxx Crosby and Clelin Ferrell. The latter’s difficulties establishing himself as a reliable pass rusher amplified Las Vegas’ need for edge aid.

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