2 Former Colts Among NFL's Most Underrated Free Agents
The Indianapolis Colts typically prioritize their own in free agency, and two players who have spent time with a horseshoe on their helmet are being considered among the NFL's most underrated free agents who are still available.
Bleacher Report highlighted defensive end Yannick Ngakoue and cornerback Rock Ya-Sin as two players who can still be beneficial to teams on the free-agent market. Oddly enough, the Colts traded Ya-Sin to the Las Vegas Raiders for Ngakoue last offseason.
Ngakoue was drafted in the third round with the 69th overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars and has also played for the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Raiders, and Colts.
On a yearly basis, he's been about as consistent as they come in terms of rushing the passer. Ngakoue is one of just five players in NFL history to reach at least 8.0 sacks in each of his first seven seasons. Being able to get a player who can almost guarantee you nearly double-digit sacks for a pretty reasonable price is a bargain.
Ngakoue has started 102-of-110 games in his career and recorded 65.0 sacks, 135 quarterback hits, 65 tackles for loss, 21 forced fumbles, 3 fumbles recovered, 2 interceptions, 13 pass breakups, and 2 defensive touchdowns.
BR considers the Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and Los Angeles Rams as Ngakoue's best fits. Him returning to the Colts is up in the air, as there's been little buzz in that direction and Ngakoue has a pattern of bouncing from team to team.
Ya-Sin was drafted by the Colts with the 34th overall pick in the 2019 draft and grew as a player there in his first three years before being sent to Las Vegas for 2022. He's still held in high regard in the Colts' locker room.
Through his first four seasons, Ya-Sin has started 38-of-52 games, totaling 183 tackles (2 for loss), 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumbles recovered, 2 interceptions, and 27 pass breakups.
Spotrac projects Ya-Sin to get a contract worth $10.8 million annually, although that's likely too high for a player who's pretty good but has yet to make a Pro Bowl.
BR considers the Ravens, Colts, and Raiders as Ya-Sin's best fits. A return to Indy makes sense after the Colts traded away Stephon Gilmore, leaving just Isaiah Rodgers Sr. and Kenny Moore II as the only corners on the roster with meaningful NFL experience.
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