Ngakoue Gets His Wish: Traded to Minnesota
The relationship between Yannick Ngakoue and the Jacksonville Jaguars only got worse by the day. Today, the Jaguars ended that relationship, trading the pro bowl defensive end to the Minnesota Vikings. In the end, Ngakoue got his trade request granted, and he is now in Minnesota.
Trade Details
In the trade, Minnesota sent a 2021 second-round pick and a conditional 2022 fifth-round pick, which can turn into a third or fourth-round pick if Ngakoue reaches the Pro Bowl or if Minnesota wins the Super Bowl. Jacksonville sent Ngakoue, who agreed to a one-year deal worth $13M. The franchise tender that he left unsigned was $17.8M, so the Vikings are getting a bargain for at least the first season. This is also very telling of how persistent Ngakoue was to leaving Jacksonville.
Who Won the Trade?
You can argue that both teams won this trade, but Minnesota is the true winner in this one. The Vikings lost veteran defensive linemen Everson Griffen to the Dallas Cowboys. With this trade, they were able to not only replace Griffen, but they were able to get a player with close to the same talent, but also a player that is seven years younger. With all this, Minnesota did not even have to give up a first-round pick for him. Ngakoue will be joining Danielle Hunter on the Minnesota line, and if they can dominate, Minnesota will basically forget that they even gave up that second-round pick.
My Take
Even though the Vikings won this trade, this is a move that Jacksonville needed to make and move on from Ngakoue. Jacksonville is in rebuilding mode and it was clear that Ngakoue was not going to step foot on the field as a Jaguar again. It is a little late to make a trade, but the Jaguars needed to make this move before the young defensive end lost his value. As for Minnesota, the trade came out of left field. There were reports that a couple of teams such as the Jets and Browns were in on Ngakoue, but never the Vikings. This is a great move for Minnesota, especially at only $13M.
Trade details from si.com
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