Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Yannick Ngakoue

The New England Patriots have lost several players who provided pass-rush help since the beginning of training camp. On Friday, the Patriots made a move to bolster their pass rush. They claimed veteran defensive end Yannick Ngakoue off waivers. The Baltimore Ravens placed Ngakoue on waivers Thursday.

New England lost four players expected to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. Christian Barmore landed on the non-football injury list after a blood clot diagnosis. The Patriots traded Matthew Judon to Atlanta for a 2025 third-round pick. Oshane Ximines was a bright spot in training camp but suffered a season-ending injury in Week 2. Then Joshua Uchewas dealt to the Kansas City Chiefs for a sixth-round draft pick in 2026.

The Patriots hope Ngakoue, a player with 70.5 career NFL sacks, can help pick up some of that slack. He was ranked No. 5 on Patriots Football Now’s list of Top 30 Free Agents for New England to Target, which was published on March 23, 2024.

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Jacksonville Jaguars Years (2016-2019)

The Jacksonville Jaguars selected Yannick Ngakou in the third round (No. 69 overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft. He played three years at the University of Maryland and earned first-team All-Big Ten honors in his final season when he amassed 13.5 sacks.

Ngakoue became an instant contributor for Jacksonville. He registered 8.0 sacks and four forced fumbles in 2016 and made the NFL All-Rookie Team. Ngakou enjoyed a more dominant second season in the NFL. He led the league with six forced fumbles and recorded 12.0 sacks. He was named to the Pro Bowl.

Yannick Ngakoue played four seasons for the Jaguars. In 63 games he totaled 122 tackles, 37.5 sacks, and 14 forced fumbles. He wanted out of Jacksonville, refusing to play on the franchise tag, and was traded to the Minnesota Vikings before the 2020 season.

3 blocks couldn't stop Yannick Ngakoue.

He played one of his best games as a Jaguar on Sunday. pic.twitter.com/wxhnVTHJbH

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) December 21, 2019

NFL Journeyman (2020-2024)

Ngakoue agreed to play for Minnesota, with the thought being it could result in a long-term deal. He had 5.0 sacks in six games with the Vikings before being traded to the Baltimore Ravens. Their two trades dropped Minnesota from No. 45 to No. 90 in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Las Vegas Raiders signed Yannick Ngakoue to a two-year $23 million deal in free agency following the 2020 season. He played one season for the Raiders, recording 10.0 sacks. One year after signing with Las Vegas, Ngakoue was traded to the Indianapolis Colts for cornerback Rock-Ya Sin.

Ngakoue added 10.0 sacks to his career total in his lone season in Indianapolis. He joined the Chicago Bears in free agency on Aug. 3, 2023, agreeing to a one-year $10.5 million contract. Last season with the Bears, Ngakoue’s eighth in the NFL, was the first year he recorded less than 8.0 sacks. He finished with 4.0 sacks in 13 games.

Baltimore brought Ngakoue back for a second stint as a Raven in 2024. He remained unsigned until Sept. 24, when he signed with Baltimore’s practice squad. They elevated him for two games before signing him to the 53-man roster on Oct. 15. But less than a month later, Ngakoue was released.

In five games with the Baltimore Ravens this season, Yannick Ngakoue recorded five tackles and 1.5 sacks. The New England Patriots hope the 29-year-old has some gas left in the tank to help a defense that ranks 29 of 32 teams in sacks this season.