Sports Illustrated Matches Jets with Top Veteran Free Agent Still Available

Could Gang Green show interest in a remaining FA like Frank Clark or Yannick Ngakoue?

The bulk of the work has been completed, but the New York Jets likely aren't done making offseason moves. 

Between now and the start of training camp, the 90-man roster is bound to change, even if only slightly. 

In terms of pursuing a potential personnel move, Sports Illustrated's Gilberto Manzano has suggested the Jets sign a particular prominently-known defensive end that remains on the market. The SI scribe identified "The Top 10 Unsigned NFL Free Agents and Where They Best Fit" and linked the Jets to his No. 1 available player.

Ninth-year pro Yannick Ngakoue, who broke out with the "Sacksonville" defense that carried the Jaguars to the 2017 AFC Championship Game, appeared as the top-ranked remaining free agent and Gang Green was listed as "best team fit" for the veteran pass rusher.

The first three free agents mentioned are all edge rushers as Ngakoue was directly followed by Frank Clark and Jadeveon Clowney.

From Manzano's story:

1. Yannick Ngakoue, edge

Best team fit: Jets

Ngakoue, 28, has played for four different teams in the past three seasons. He struggles in many areas, but he excels at rushing the passer and is coming off a season in which he recorded 9.5 sacks. The Jets would benefit from having Ngakoue as a rotational pass rusher, especially given he could provide a safety net in case rookie Will McDonald IV struggles to find his footing. The best teams (such as the 49ers and Eagles) have depth at edge rusher , and the Jets are hoping to reach that level with a talented defense to accompany their high expectations with the arrival of Aaron Rodgers. 

— Gilberto Manzano

The 28-year old Ngakoue, who was the No. 69 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, played his entire rookie contract with Jacksonville before the organization placed the franchise tag on him in 2020. The 6-foot-2 defensive end publicly demanded a trade and was eventually dealt to the Minnesota Vikings on August 31, 2020.

The Vikings turned around and dealt Ngakoue to the Baltimore Ravens right before the 2020 trade deadline. He has since played for the Las Vegas Raiders and Indianapolis Colts. 

Ngakoue, a seven-year NFL veteran, has accounted for 65.0 sacks, 21 forced fumbles and 135 quarterback hits over a 110-game span.

The Jets have a stable of capable defensive ends on their 90-man roster and added first-round draft pick Will McDonald to the mix in April, making Ngakoue a luxury up front.

Prior to the McDonald addition, Gang Green negotiated with 15-year veteran Calais Campbell, a six-time Pro Bowler who was Ngakoue's linemate during their Jacksonville days. The 36-year old Campbell ultimately chose to accept a one-year deal worth $7 million from the Atlanta Falcons.

"The Jets made almost an equal offer as the Falcons," said Campbell while speaking with Josina Anderson on "The Crew" podcast. "The Jets definitely, it was very appealing. It was a tough decision. Honestly, I was committing to the Jets, and I remember talking to my agent, and I was like 'Hold on, it don't really feel right.'"

From Jets Country's Unofficial Offseason Depth Chart:

Defensive Ends — 7

Starter: John Franklin-Myers (91), Carl Lawson (58) 

Second Team: Jermaine Johnson (52), Will McDonald (99) 

Third Team: Bryce Huff (47), Michael Clemons (72) 

Fourth Team: Deslin Alexandre (98) 

READ MORE:

Williams's Contract 'Most Important Roster Decision to Make Before Training Camp'

Falcons Cancel Calais Campbell's Scheduled Jets' Visit

Sauce Gardner Hot Topic Around the NFL Heading into Second Season

No Ignoring Contributions from Jets' Other Cornerback DJ Reed

NFL Suspends New York Jets' Cornerback for Off-Field Incident

Ex-Jet Ty Johnson Tells His Story about Oddly-Timed Release