Yannick Ngakoue, a former Pro Bowl defensive end, and the Chicago Bears have reached an agreement on a one-year, $10.5 million contract, according to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Thursday night.
Ngakoue, who is moving on to his sixth team in five seasons, is expected to immediately help the Bears’ pass rush, which has recently been toothless after posting an NFL-low 20 sacks as a team in 2022.
Despite his difficulties against the run, Ngakoue has started his career with seven straight seasons of eight or more sacks.
Ngakoue, 28, will sign a one-year, $10.5 million contract with a guaranteed $10 million. Over the last three years, he has played for four different clubs, including the Colts last season. Ngakoue recorded a total of 29 tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 16 quarterback hits in 15 games for Indianapolis in 2022. Last season, the Bears only managed 22 sacks, with their defensive ends recording only 6.5 of those.
Ngakoue, who spent four years with the Jaguars before having stints with the Vikings, Ravens, Raiders, and Colts last year, has gotten to the quarterback regardless of the team.
Ngakoue, who is a free agent and is ranked number 27 on Gregg Rosenthal’s Top 101, stated earlier in the offseason that he was looking for a “stable home,” something he hasn’t had since his time in Duval.
With a one-year contract, he may not be looking for a long-term residence in Chicago, but he will have the chance to show that he is still a game-changer in his 28th season.
With free-agent signings like Tremaine Edmunds, TJ Edwards, and rookie second-round pick Tyrique Stevenson, Chicago has strengthened its defense. With ends DeMarcus Walker and Trevis Gipson, Ngakoue ought to start right away.
