The Vikings Are Taking A Big Risk By Trading For Yannick Ngakoue

September 2, 2020

The Minnesota Vikings added a late preseason pick up to their roster on Monday after trading for veteran defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. In exchange, the Vikings sent their 2021 second-round draft pick and a conditional 2022 fifth-round pick to the Jaguars, who decided to deal Ngakoue after extension talks stalled. The Vikings will have just 11 days to get Ngakoue up to speed before their first contest of the season against the Green Bay Packers.  

Since the July 15th deadline of multi-year contracts has come and gone, Ngakoue will join the team for just this season, agreeing to a one-year, $12 million contract following the trade. The $5 million pay cut for the star out of Jacksonville comes as a win for a Vikings team that has run into salary cap issues.  

On Monday’s episode of Purple Insider, Jaguars beat reporter John Shipley joined Matthew Coller to discuss Ngakoue’s impact as a steady pass-rusher and what he can bring to the Minnesota defense.  

Although the 25-year-old has his faults - especially when talking about his run defense, he can be a big asset when it comes to getting a jump on the opposing line. With 14 forced fumbles in the last four seasons and 37.5 sacks, he can prove valuable to the Vikings attack.

“You’re getting a guy who has a high-upside due to his age and a high-ceiling due to his production,” said Shipley. (12:52)

While Shipley believes this was a beneficial deal for the team, USA Today columnist, Steven Ruiz, shares his doubts about what this could mean for the future.  Ruiz rated the trade “risky” after expressing concerns about the guarantee of this “rental” - which could inevitably become a costly one. If they elect not to extend his contract, they’re out millions of dollars, and two draft picks for just one year of Ngakoue's services.

The only way this deal makes sense is if they sign him long-term, resulting in a $22 million bill for Minnesota. The question that still needs answered is whether he has the talent and effectiveness for the kind of payout. According to Ruiz, the answer is no.  

“He’s really good, and he’s good enough to demand top dollar, but I don’t think he’s really good enough to justify it.” (21:00)

Despite Ngakoue being in his prime, the jury still stands on whether he can continue to produce results and add value to a once strong Minnesota defense.

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