Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue told the media he would be attending organized team activities last week, but it appears he had second thoughts about those statements afterward. The young edge rusher was absent for his second consecutive voluntary practice Tuesday after missing Day 3 (last Friday) of OTAs, too.
As most probably suspected, Ngakoue’s absence is being classified as a none medical situation, which probably means the young pass rusher is playing it safe because of his contract situation.
Ngakoue is currently on the last year of his rookie contract, and after watching Frank Clark and DeMarcus Lawrence both get deals worth over $62 million in guarantees, Ngakoue knows he can’t afford to risk injury regardless as to how much he wants to be a leader and be with his teammates. Simply put, when factoring in that the Jags are in the voluntary phase and the recent season-ending injury of Isaiah Crowell, he shouldn’t be in a rush to get on the field — especially if the team isn’t in a rush to reward him for his play.
Last week, Ngakoue also told the media that he didn’t know if contract talks had begun with the team and that he would play on the last year of his deal if he had to. If I were a betting man, I wouldn’t bank on him having to do that, especially with linebacker Telvin Smith freeing up the necessary cap space needed to pay Ngakoue by sitting out the upcoming season.
As for the front office, one would think contract talks are ongoing for Ngakoue because the draft and free-agency are pretty much wrapped up. Additionally, Tom Coughlin seems to know the value of having a pass rush after winning two Super Bowls with an elite one, so fans shouldn’t stress this situation unless it drags out through training camp.
