Could the Jets be on the brink of a major trade?
It seems like they are certainly strong candidates to pull of a deal that could land them Jaguars pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue.
Former Browns GM and Patriots assistant Michael Lombardi tweeted on Wednesday that the Jaguars were close to a deal on Ngakou. He later followed that up with the team he was hearing that was deeply involved was the New York Jets.
Per Lombardi, a second-round pick may get the deal done and a two is certainly expendable for a team that has four first-round picks over the next two years.
However, there are conflicting reports.
According to Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, the Jets are not involved in discussions for Ngakoue, as of now.
The Jets, of course, need all the help they can get on the defensive side of the ball after trading away All-Pro safety Jamal Adams and linebacker C.J. Mosley deciding to opt out of the season due to COVID concerns.
Ngakou, meanwhile, has refused to sign his $17.8 million franchise tender and wants to secure a long-term deal, ideally with a contender.
While the Jets have not yet proven they are a perennial contender, they do have the cap space to give Ngakoue a long deal, especially since they no longer have to pay Adams.
Ngakoue, 25, is regarded as one of the best young pass rushers in the game. He has 37.5 sacks through his first four seasons in the NFL – finishing with no fewer than eight sacks each season.
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