It Would be a Mistake to Trade This Year’s 1st for Yannick Ngakoue
Since last week, Yannick Ngakoue has been posting cryptic messages on his Instagram story.
It started with a picture of Reggie White with the Eagles and has now led up to multiple pictures of Trent Cole being posted.
Although there has been no reported talk between the Jaguars and Eagles for a deal, it’s clear the 24-year-old pass rusher wants to be an Eagle. As much as the entire fan base would like him to be an Eagle as well, it would come at a steep cost, given the talent in question.
The Eagles should absolutely be doing their due diligence, but if the Jaguars require Philadelphia’s 1st round selection from this year, it would be best to head in a different direction.
The Math
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Photo: Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire
Currently, Ngakoue has a one year, $17,788,000 salary. The Eagles have an estimated salary cap of $20 million after signing Darrius Slay to a new deal, adding Javon Hargrave, Jatavis Brown, and Will Parks, and resigning Mills, McLeod, and Sudfeld. Don’t forget, the Eagles also have to sign an entire draft class of about 8 players, which will approximately come out to $7.3 million. Assuming the Eagles take on Ngakoue’s entire contract without giving up players, it’d result in extremely tight cap space, resulting in cutting/trading any dead weight on the team. Right now, only Alshon Jeffery fits the criteria of being non-essential yet having a large-cap hit.
The Eagles would have to trade Jeffery if they wish to have the 30-year-old wide receiver off of the team and bring in Ngakoue. Cutting Jeffery would result in nearly $16.5 million dead caps (new CBA), making it impossible to trade for Ngakoue.
The Impact on the Offense
Photo: Michael Perez/AP
Trading this year’s first-round pick would result in the Eagles being unable to invest in the offense as strongly as they should. Seeing all of the good free-agent wide receivers have been pried away (Breshad Perriman and Robby Anderson), the Eagles now have to turn to the draft to acquire weapons for Carson Wentz.
While a receiver like K.J. Hamler may still be available in the 2nd round, Carson Wentz would benefit more by having a receiver like CeeDee Lamb or Henry Ruggs, both of whom will be gone by the 2nd round. Hamler would still be a great addition, but comparing the tape, it’s clear he’s not nearly as great as the projected 1st round receivers.
If the Eagles really want to invest in Carson Wentz, trading this year’s 1st round pick would be a mistake.
That being said, Howie can always lay the 2021 1st round pick on the table.
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Categorized:Eagles