The Indianapolis Colts have several major decisions to make this offseason, starting with the head coach search, but deciding what to do with some of their pending free agents is near the top of the list as well.
While they won’t be able to sign all of the players set to hit the free-agent market, one of the biggest names on the list is defensive end Yannick Ngakoue.
In the offseason preview for ESPN, Field Yates predicts the Colts will re-sign Ngakoue in the coming months.
“Will they re-sign edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue?
Yes. Ngakoue has switched teams a lot for a player who is 27 years old, but that should stop this offseason. The Colts are in a rebuild, but this one could be executed in a hurry if they figure out their QB room. Ngakoue is a sack specialist (9.5 in 2022), and a deal could come to around $15 million per season.”
Ngakoue was a solid defender for the Colts’ pass rush, but there were times when he disappeared without a trace. His 11% pass rush win rate was 50th among qualified edge rushers, according to Pro Football Focus.
He still managed to lead the team with 9.5 sacks and was second behind DeForest Buckner with 16 quarterback hits.
However, Ngakoue’s game is extremely one-dimensional. While he fits best as a pass rusher who pins his ears back and gets upfield, he’s a liability against the run in most instances.
The Colts aren’t flush with cash this offseason. There are some moves they can make to the roster that will free up money, but their standing with the salary cap isn’t what we have grown accustomed to in recent offseasons.
It certainly will be an interesting market, and Ngakoue will be one of the bigger names set to hit free agency this offseason if the Colts don’t re-sign him.
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