Report: Raiders close to a deal with Yannick Ngakoue

The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly close to reaching a deal with defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. If the deal is completed, he will be reunited with defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who served as the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016 during Ngakoue’s rookie season.

The Baltimore Ravens acquired Ngakoue from the Minnesota Vikings in late October for a 2021 third-round pick and a conditional 2022 fifth-round pick. Expectations were high for the former Pro Bowler; he had five sacks in six games with the Vikings prior to the trade. However, he was not able to maintain that high level of production in Baltimore, and he finished with three sacks in his nine games with the franchise.

Earlier today, fellow edge rusher Matt Judon signed a four-year deal worth $56 million with the New England Patriots.

It seemed unlikely that the Ravens would retain either Judon or Ngakoue, but nevertheless, edge rusher is currently a huge need. They still could re-sign Tyus Bowser, and there are still some intriguing options on the free-agent market such as Haason Reddick, Melvin Ingram, and Kyle Van Noy.