Las Vegas Raiders: Grading defensive free agent additions

Dec 8, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws as Baltimore Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) rushes during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton (14) throws as Baltimore Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) rushes during the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Yannick Ngakoue. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Yannick Ngakoue. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: Grading defensive free agent additions

Yannick Ngakoue – Defensive End, Baltimore Ravens

The Las Vegas Raiders, or more specifically Jon Gruden, finally have their premier pass rusher in Yannick Ngakoue. The former third-round pick has bounced around a few teams since expressing his desire to leave the Jacksonville Jaguars during the 2020 offseason but should be on the Raiders for the foreseeable future.

Ngakoue, who is still just 27 years old, signed a two-year, $26 million deal with the Raiders that gives him a chance to earn a bigger contract before he turns 30. This is a similar theme with many of the other signings this offseason as it gives Ngakoue a platform to prove he can consistently be a double-digit sack guy and gives the Raiders a motivated player on the field.

The former Maryland Terrapin has been one of the better pass rushers in the NFL since coming into the league in 2016 and also has a year of experience playing under Gus Bradley and his scheme. There should be little adjustment time for the veteran defensive end and Raider Nation should be very excited that the team has a player with a proven track record of getting to and bringing down the quarterback.

Grade: A+