DE Yannick Ngakoue not targeting contenders?

That has left Yannick Ngakoue on the open market despite a track record of performances as a sack artist. The 28-year-old has played for five different teams during his seven-year career, spending the 2022 campaign with the Colts. He led the team with 9.5 sacks.

Ngakoue had previously stated an intention of signing a multi-year deal with a contending team. Doing so would allow the former second-rounder to find some stability during his NFL career, while also providing an established pass-rushing contribution in the process. Ngakoue has recorded at least eight sacks every year in his career. His stance on his next destination appears to have shifted, however.

“Any team in the NFL is an ideal landing spot for me,” the Maryland product said during an appearance on the Jim Rome Show. “It’s a blessing to be able to work any job in the NFL. Being able to go and practice with a team, go through walk-throughs, go through film study, it’s a blessing. It doesn’t matter what organization in particular.”

A report from last month indicated Ngakoue was seeking between $8M and $10M per season on his next contract, a figure he is unlikely to be able to reach. The one-year pacts signed by fellow veteran edge rushers Leonard Floyd and Frank Clark checked in at $7M and $5.5M, respectively, in terms of base compensation. Those marks are likely more realistic for Ngakoue and other free agents like Justin Houston, Robert Quinn and Jadeveon Clowney with training camps just around the corner.

Movement on the edge market can be expected soon, given the depth of options still available and the degree to which contributors can thus be had on relatively inexpensive deals. Ngakoue will be a name to watch in that regard, especially if he is willing to consider essentially any potential destination.