Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue to attend OTAs

One of the biggest questions heading into the Jacksonville Jaguars upcoming 10 days of offseason team activities was whether or not defensive end Yannick Ngakoue would attend with a new contract needing to get done for him — and we now know the answer. Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Ngakoue will be in attendance Tuesday to help lead the defensive line.

#Jaguars star DE Yannick Ngakoue, despite being in the final year of his rookie deal, is expected to be at OTAs beginning today, source said. Ngakoue will lead on that defensive line, starting with the voluntary workouts.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) May 21, 2019

Ngakoue, 24, attended the beginning of mandatory workouts, but eventually left the facility in efforts to speed up contract talks with the Jags. After witnessing Demarcus Lawrence and Frank Clark both sign deals that include $62 million in guarantees. That said, it’s a big risk for Ngakoue to take, but maybe his return is a sign that he and the Jags are close to a new deal. Ultimately, we won’t have to wait long to know as Ngakoue will talk to the media Tuesday afternoon at 12:45 PM EST.

Yannick Ngakoue is expected to speak to the media this afternoon at 12:45. #Jaguars

— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) May 21, 2019

Since being drafted in 2016, Ngakoue has been nothing short of spectacular in terms of helping the pass rush as he’s managed to accumulate 81 tackles, 12.9 sacks, and 10 forced fumbles. He also has been to the Pro Bowl once (2017), and at his age, it’s fair for fans to expect him to be named to many more in the future.