In a strategic move to fortify their pass rush, the Baltimore Ravens are welcoming back a familiar face. Veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue is set to rejoin the team for the 2024 season, four years after his initial stint with the squad. This reunion aims to bolster a struggling defensive unit and revive Ngakoue's once-prolific career after a challenging 2023 season with the Chicago Bears.
Ngakoue, who has journeyed through nine NFL seasons and six teams, originally made his mark as a third-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2016. During his tenure with the Jaguars from 2016 to 2019, Ngakoue rapidly established himself as a formidable pass rusher, accumulating significant stats that drew league-wide attention.
His initial stint with the Ravens occurred as a result of a midseason trade from the Minnesota Vikings during the 2020 season. In those nine games with Baltimore, Ngakoue notched three sacks and 26 quarterback pressures. Although his time with the team was brief, it was enough for both sides to leave the door open for future collaboration.
Ngakoue's NFL Journey
Following his departure from Baltimore in 2020, Ngakoue continued his NFL odyssey, playing for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, the Indianapolis Colts in 2022, and the Chicago Bears in 2023. Over the course of his career, Ngakoue has amassed 69 career sacks, a number that ties him for ninth most in the NFL alongside Joey Bosa since he entered the league. Notably, Ngakoue managed to register at least eight sacks in each of his first seven NFL seasons, underscoring his consistency and effectiveness as a pass rusher.
However, 2023 proved to be a challenging year for Ngakoue. Plagued by injuries, his season with the Chicago Bears was cut short by a broken ankle, sidelining him for the final four games. This injury also contributed to a career-low performance, with Ngakoue finishing the season with only four sacks.
Ravens' Early 2024 Struggles
The 2024 season has not started on a high note for the Ravens, who hold a 1-2 record entering Week 3. While the team has logged 10 sacks, placing them ninth in the league, their overall quarterback pressure rate of 27.1% is the fourth worst in the NFL. The return of Ngakoue is seen as a vital step in addressing this deficiency.
Ngakoue's familiarity with the Ravens' defensive schemes and organizational culture should facilitate a smoother transition and quicker assimilation back into the team. His ability to generate consistent quarterback pressure is expected to be instrumental in elevating the Ravens' defensive performance.
Looking Ahead
As the Ravens seek to turn their season around, the reacquisition of Ngakoue brings a mix of optimism and scrutiny. Given his track record and experience, the veteran edge rusher is well-positioned to make an immediate impact. The team's defense, which has struggled to apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, stands to benefit significantly from his presence and expertise.
This move underscores the Ravens' commitment to reinforcing their defense and capitalizing on the familiarity and past success Ngakoue has had with the franchise. With a renewed focus and determination, both Ngakoue and the Ravens hope to write a successful chapter in their shared history during the 2024 season.