Jaguars place non-exclusive franchise tag on Ngakoue

The Jacksonville Jaguars have placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, the team announced Friday.

Ngakoue can still negotiate and sign with another team, but the Jaguars have the right to match the offer. If Jacksonville doesn't match it, the club would receive two first-round picks from the team that signs the pass-rusher.

Though the Jaguars were expected to tag Ngakoue ahead of free agency, the 24-year-old suggested earlier in March that he doesn't want to sign a long-term deal with the team.

The Jaguars are aware I no longer have interest in signing a long term contract in Jacksonville. Duval, I love you and gave you guys everything I got. I'm thankful for the journey and look forward to continuing my career elsewhere. -91

- Yannick Ngakoue (@YannickNgakoue) March 2, 2020

Ngakoue skipped all of last June's mandatory minicamp and missed part of training camp while hoping to force a new deal. Jacksonville reportedly offered him a short-term contract worth over $19 million annually prior to the beginning of the 2019 campaign.

The franchise tag will net Ngakoue roughly a $19.3 million salary for the 2020 season, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

A third-round pick in 2016, Ngakoue has been selected to the Pro Bowl once during his career (2017). He's amassed 37.5 sacks and 14 forced fumbles through his first four NFL seasons.

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