Defensive end of the Jaguars Yannick Ngakoue went on social media on Monday to announce that he was no longer interested in signing a long-term agreement with the franchise.
In a Tweet, Ngakoue wrote: “Duval, I love you and I have given you everything I have. I am grateful for the trip and I look forward to pursuing my career elsewhere.”
ESPN reported on Monday that the team plans to use the franchise label on Ngakoue, which would allow Jacksonville to seek compensation in a potential business.
The Jaguars have until March 12 to apply the franchise label before Ngakoue can enter the free market as an unrestricted free agent on March 18, when the NFL New Year begins.
Jaguars general manager Dave Caldwell had little to share with the NFL combine last week as to whether progress had been made in negotiations for a long-term deal with Ngakoue or s ‘They planned to apply the franchise label definitively.
“All of our options are on the table, and we have to work through the process and see where we are when the time comes and right now which is March 12,” said Caldwell. “I think you know how we feel about him. We want him to be here and we’re going to try to get him to come here and keep him here somehow. I think I’m going to stay here. “
Ngakoue wants to be the highest paid defensive end in the league with an average salary of $ 22 million per season.
A third round pick in 2016 in Maryland, Ngakoue’s 37 1/2 sacks in four seasons are the most Jaguars players after 62 career games. Ngakoue has had no less than eight sacks in a season since arriving in Jacksonville.
If the Jaguars designate the franchise label, Ngakoue’s estimated salary for the 2020 season would be $ 19.3 million.
Ngakoue could also refuse to sign the label like former Houston Texans defender Jadeveon Clowney did last year before forcing an exchange with the Seattle Seahawks.
The Jaguars have not designated the franchise tag since 2012 with kicker Josh Scobee, but ended up signing an extension instead of playing on the tag.
Right after the 2019 season ended, Caldwell said that Ngakoue was his priority out of season to make sure he would come back.
In August, Ngakoue ended an 11-day camp which did not result in a new contract. A short-term contract worth more than $ 19 million per year was allegedly offered with $ 50 million or more in the first two years before talks broke down in July with former Jaguar chief executive. , Tom Coughlin.