5 star players for the Cleveland Browns to target in free agency
By Nick Pedone
3. Yannick Ngaukue, EDGE
Quite possibly, Yannick Ngakoue could be set to play for his fourth season within a calendar year if he departs from the Baltimore Ravens in free agency.
Ngakoue, 25, was traded to the Minnesota Vikings from Jacksonville before being dealt to Baltimore. All of these teams made the decision to trade away a solid pass rusher knowing that he would become a free agent, looking to be paid handsomely this offseason.
But let’s set the record straight. Ngakoue is good, not elite.
Lining up Ngakoue opposite Myles Garrett would create chaos for opposing offenses. Cleveland began to see that payoff before Vernon’s season-ending injury. Adding a younger, fresher pass rusher like Ngakoue would be ideal against the pass, with still work to be done inside to stop the run.
The Browns will have a glaring hole at defensive end this offseason, assuming Vernon will not be back or healthy for the start of the year. Adrian Clayborn and Porter Gustin are also free agents, and the Browns would likely prefer an upgrade over those two anyway.
GM Andrew Berry reportedly expressed interest in trading for Ngakoue last offseason. If his price is right, Ngakoue and Garrett could be the bookshelf cornerstones for Cleveland’s defense for many years to come.