Chicago Bears Eyeing $26 Million Former Raiders Star for Potential Move
Chicago Bears Eyeing Pro Bowl Defensive End Yannick Ngakoue in Pursuit of Defensive Improvement
The Chicago Bears are determined to bounce back from their disappointing 3-14 record last season and make a strong push for a winning record. A key area they are looking to enhance is their defense, which struggled in 2022, allowing the most points per game (27.2 points) in the league.
Fortunately, there might be a ray of hope on the horizon with Pro Bowl defensive end Yannick Ngakoue potentially joining the team this offseason. Multiple reports suggest that Ngakoue has expressed a desire to don the Bears' jersey.
The 28-year-old pass rusher last showcased his talents with the Colts in the previous season, impressively notching 9.5 sacks in 15 starts. Ryan Poles, the Bears' general manager, acknowledged the need to bolster their defensive end position and the importance of working together to ensure a successful deal:
"Obviously, there's no certainty. It takes two to make sure it works out. So, there's a level of patience that comes with it. There's no guarantee."
Ngakoue has had an impressive career in the NFL, consistently registering at least eight sacks in each of his seven seasons. Notably, he boasts two double-digit sack seasons, most recently achieving 10 sacks with the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2021 season.
The Bears struggled to penetrate opponents' backfields in 2022, finishing last in the league with a mere 20 sacks. Their top sack leader was rookie safety Jaquan Brisker, who managed four sacks during the season.
Signing a player of Ngakoue's caliber is a top priority for Poles and the Bears, as they aim to strengthen their defense heading into the upcoming season. Ngakoue signed a fully guaranteed two-year, $26 million deal with the Raiders in March 2021, but he was traded to the Indianapolis Colts last season.
With rumors suggesting that Ngakoue is seeking a multi-year contract, his market value is estimated to be a four-year deal worth $14.8 million per season, according to Spotrac. If the Bears can secure his services, it would undoubtedly be a significant boost to their defense and a move that could shape their path to a successful season.
| POLL | ||
27 JUILLET | 224 ANSWERS Chicago Bears Eyeing $26 Million Former Raiders Star for Potential Move Should the Bears sign Yannick N'gakoue | ||
| Yes | 204 | 91.1 % |
| No | 20 | 8.9 % |
| List of polls | ||
