There is a strong possibility that the Bears will not keep a defensive starter in 2024, according to an insider.
The Chicago Bears inked a one-year, $10 million contract with pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue back in August. However, a prominent NFL insider suggests that the veteran defensive end won't see another contract with the team in 2024.
In his weekly column "Football Morning in America" for NBC Sports, insider Peter King pointed out that Ngakoue, whose 2023 season came to an end due to a broken ankle suffered in Week 14 against the Detroit Lions, is very likely to sport a different jersey in 2024.
Over the past four calendar years, dating back to December 18, 2019, Ngakoue has played for six different teams, with varying numbers of games for each during the past 48 months: Jacksonville (2), Minnesota (6), Baltimore (11), Las Vegas (18), Indianapolis (15), and Chicago (13). King emphasized that there's a strong likelihood that the 28-year-old Ngakoue, now on IR, will play elsewhere in 2024, marking his seventh team in five calendar years at the age of 29.
Yannick Ngakoue, a 6-2, 246-pound defensive end, made a Pro Bowl appearance during his time with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017, his second NFL season. His career has seen him move among six different teams over eight seasons in the league. Before this season, he consistently tallied at least 8.0 sacks per year.
In the 2023 season with the Bears, Ngakoue started in 13 games, accumulating 22 tackles (including six for loss) and 4.0 sacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he recorded 26 hurries and four quarterback hits in 408 pass rush snaps. His acquisition by the Bears, along with Montez Sweat, boosted their pass rush. Ngakoue managed two of his 4.0 sacks within Sweat's initial five games with the Bears.
Unfortunately, Ngakoue sustained an injury that ended his season prematurely, potentially preventing even higher statistics in the team's final five games. Bears head coach Matt Eberflus praised Ngakoue for being a true professional who mentored young players throughout the year.
Looking ahead to the 2024 free agency, several promising pass rushers, such as Danielle Hunter, Chase Young, and Bryce Huff, will be available. Given these options, it's likely that the Bears will aim to acquire another top-tier pass rusher to complement Sweat. Bears insider Brad Biggs previously reported that Hunter would be a top free agent target for Chicago in the upcoming season. Projections from Brad Spielberger of PFF suggest significant contracts for these pass rushers, making it more probable that Chicago will explore other options rather than re-signing Ngakoue.
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19 DECEMBRE | 1 ANSWERS There is a strong possibility that the Bears will not keep a defensive starter in 2024, according to an insider. Will Ngakoue be back next season? | ||
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