In a strategic move aimed at fortifying their defensive line, the Baltimore Ravens have decided to bring back a familiar face for the 2024 season—veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue. This reunion marks Ngakoue's return to the Ravens four years after his initial stint, which began following a midseason trade from the Minnesota Vikings in 2020.
An Extensive NFL Journey
Yannick Ngakoue's NFL career has been nothing short of a whirlwind, spanning nine years and six different teams. Originally drafted in the third round by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ngakoue quickly made a name for himself as a formidable pass rusher. He played for the Jaguars from 2016 to 2019, amassing impressive stats and solidifying his reputation in the league.
In 2020, Ngakoue's journey took him to the Vikings and subsequently to the Ravens. During his brief time with the Ravens, Ngakoue played nine games, recording three sacks and 26 quarterback pressures. His impact was palpable, though his time with the team was short-lived, and he moved on to the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021. Following stints with the Indianapolis Colts in 2022 and the Chicago Bears in 2023, Ngakoue has now come full circle, returning to Baltimore with a wealth of experience and a drive to succeed.
A Proven Pass Rusher
Yannick Ngakoue's career stats speak volumes about his abilities on the field. With a total of 69 career sacks, Ngakoue is tied for the ninth most in the NFL alongside Joey Bosa since entering the league. Notably, he managed to rack up at least eight sacks in each of his first seven NFL seasons, a testament to his consistency and skill.
However, 2023 presented significant challenges for Ngakoue. While playing for the Bears, he suffered a broken ankle that sidelined him for the final four games of the season. He finished the year with a career-low four sacks, a stark contrast to his usual high performance. Despite this setback, Ngakoue's return to the Ravens offers a promising opportunity to reclaim his status as one of the league’s top pass rushers.
Fitting Back into Baltimore
For the Ravens, this move couldn't come at a better time. Starting the 2024 season with a 1-2 record, Baltimore has amassed 10 sacks as a team, ranking ninth in the league. However, their overall quarterback pressure rate of 27.1% is the fourth worst in the NFL as they enter Week 3. The addition of Ngakoue is aimed at addressing this weakness and enhancing their defensive capabilities.
Ngakoue’s familiarity with the Ravens’ defensive schemes and organizational culture is expected to facilitate a smoother transition and quicker assimilation back into the team. His prior experience can be a significant asset as the Ravens look to improve their defensive performance.
The Road Ahead
Yannick Ngakoue's return to the Ravens is a critical step in their quest to bolster their pass rush and get their season back on track. With Ngakoue bringing his veteran experience and proven track record, the Ravens are poised to see an uptick in their defensive performance. All eyes will be on Ngakoue as he seeks to overcome past challenges and re-establish himself as a dominant force on the field.