The Cleveland Browns were players for Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue
If you were looking for the Cleveland Browns to land Yannick Ngakoue in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars, don’t count on it, at least not right now.
While the Browns were “in the mix” to acquire the former former Pro Bowler, Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reported that the trade parameters couldn’t be met, and a deal has been moved off the front burner.
The longtime scribe added Ngakoue hired a new agent, so perhaps his current situation will change.
New GM Andrew Berry wasn’t shy about being aggressive in upgrading the roster, and while he didn’t land the prize in this case, it sounds like he didn’t stand around with his hands in his pockets, either.
The Browns could’ve been content to go into the season with Olivier Vernon playing opposite Myles Garrett on the edge, especially after re-working Vernon’s contract. Yet, per Cabot’s report, it seems Berry at least made offer. He had to know the EDGE will become a top priority in the 2021 draft, and adding Ngakoue would eliminate the Browns’ need for one in the first round.
One recent mock had the Browns going defensive tackle. That will be a need, but don’t kid yourself. EDGE will be a huge priority in 2021.
For what it’s worth, trading for Ngakoue would’ve required a huge financial commitment. He’s making $17 million in 2020 and will be a free agent at season’s end. The Browns made Myles Garrett the highest paid end in the game for about two days, and while other players are coming due soon, they could’ve made it work.
Alas, the franchise tag is always an option, but they’ve got to acquire him first. The Browns may re-visit trade talks, but Cabot wrote the trade is “a non-issue” for the front office right now.
The disgruntled Ngakoue remains on the Jags for now. Despite needing a pass rusher, the Jets are rumored to have no interest.