4 bombshell trades the Carolina Panthers could make before Week 1
By Dean Jones
Yannick Ngakoue (DE) – Jacksonville Jaguars
There is plenty of speculation surrounding the future of Yannick Ngakoue. Multiple reports state that the defensive end might be traded in the coming days. And this is an option well worth considering for the Carolina Panthers if the price is right.
Ngakoue has been a dominant presence on the edge throughout his four-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He is a tough proposition to block thanks to his superb explosiveness and eye-catching strength. But it is clear he is far from happy with his current situation.
The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on Ngakoue this offseason. This was followed by the player having a public spat on social media with team owner Shahid Khan, which was a further indication that this fractured relationship is past the point of no return.
His record over the last four years has been outstanding. Ngakoue has notched 37.5 sacks, 122 combined tackles, 105 solo tackles, 85 quarterback hits, 42 tackles for loss, 14 forced fumbles, and nine pass deflections. And it is clear the player is just getting started entering his prime.
The Panthers have some tremendous options at the defensive end spot. But the prospect of pairing Ngakoue with second-year stud Brian Burns is a mouth-watering one that should be considered strongly.
Having a defensive front of Ngakoue, Burns, Kawann Short, and No. 7 pick Derrick Brown would be arguably the NFL’s best. But the compensation might be too steep despite the player’s current contract situation.