Jacksonville Jaguars

New England Patriots wide receiver Marqise Lee has decided to opt out of the 2020 NFL season amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Lee, who became a first-time father in February, explained his reasoning to ESPN's Mike Reiss:

"This is a big sit-down process I had, with me and my significant other, as far as family goes. The risk factor in which we believe that's going out there, it just wasn't worth it in a sense. Just too many unknowns.

"We knew New England, honestly, had a great system in place. But I told Coach [Bill Belichick], at the end of the day, I wouldn't be doing him justice going out there because I wouldn't be able to give him my all knowing my family was back at the house worrying about their situation."

Lee is the seventh Pats player to opt out, joining linebacker Dont'a Hightower, safety Patrick Chung, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon, running back Brandon Bolden, fullback Danny Vitale and offensive lineman Najee Toran.

Lee signed a one-year contract with the Pats this season and was expected to compete for a roster spot with the likes of Jakobi Meyers, Gunner Olszewski and Jeff Thomas.

His contract will roll over to next season, and Lee told Reiss that he plans to play in 2021.

The 28-year-old veteran spent the first six years of his career with the Jacksonville Jaguars after they selected him in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft out of USC.

Lee's best season was in 2016, when he set career highs with 63 receptions for 851 yards and three touchdowns. He was also fairly productive the following year with 56 grabs for 702 yards and three scores.

He missed the entire 2018 season with a knee injury, however, and wasn't much of a factor in six games last season with three catches for 18 yards.

While Belichick has yet to comment on Lee's decision specifically, he did express support Friday for the other six players who had chosen to opt out: "I respect all of them. I talked to those guys and they explained their situations, and they had to make the decisions that were best for them, and I totally respect and support it."

Lee was a low-risk, high-reward signing for a Patriots team that got little production out of its wide receivers last season aside from Julian Edelman.

With one potential option out of the picture, Belichick will look to Mohamed Sanu, second-year man N'Keal Harry and free-agent signing Damiere Byrd to step up as secondary targets.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue didn't report for the start of training camp following his offseason trade request.

"I have not, no," Jags head coach Doug Marrone told reporters Thursday when asked whether he's had any discussions with Ngakoue.

The 2017 Pro Bowl selection received the franchise tag from Jacksonville in March. He's yet to sign the one-year, $17.8 million contract tender associated with the tag, though.

Yannick Ngakoue is holding out, but he's not violating his contract. He hasn't signed his tender; he's technically not even employed by the Jaguars at this point. He can show up just before Week One and still get his full salary.

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 30, 2020

Ngakoue announced his decision to no longer seek a long-term contract with the Jaguars before he received the franchise tag and reiterated his desire to find a new team during an April appearance on ESPN's NFL Live, stating it was "time to move on."

"I want to be part of something special," he said. "I want to go to a place where I can make a great impact in the community."

The 25-year-old University of Maryland product was selected by the Jags in the third round of the 2016 draft. He's recorded 121 total tackles, 37.5 sacks, 14 forced fumbles and two touchdowns in 63 regular-season appearances across four years with the franchise.

He tallied eight sacks in 15 games during the 2019 season.

ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported Ngakoue has "engaged in contract discussions with multiple teams," but Jacksonville has so far been showing an "unwillingness" to make a trade.

It's unclear whether the Washington, D.C., native is going to sit out the entire 2020 season if the Jags don't trade him.

They're scheduled to kick off the campaign Sept. 13 at home against the AFC South rival Indianapolis Colts.

The Jacksonville Jaguars and defensive end Yannick Ngakoue did not agree to a long-term contract prior to the league-imposed Wednesday deadline, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Jags placed the franchise tag on Ngakoue, meaning that the two sides had to come to an agreement on a long-term deal prior to 4 p.m. ET for the contract to kick in this season.

Because the deadline came and went without an agreement, Ngakoue would have to play this year out on the tag before becoming a free agent next offseason.

Schefter provided an update:

An update on Jaguars’ franchise DE Yannick Ngakoue: pic.twitter.com/Nhj1MdrtDC

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2020

Ngakoue, 25, has amassed 37.5 sacks and 85 quarterback hits during his four-year career with Jacksonville.

ESPN's Field Yates posted more of the star's accolades since his 2016 rookie year:

Yannick Ngakoue since entering the NFL in 2016:
▫️1 of 7 players with at least 8 sacks in each season
▫️37.5 total sacks (2nd most of 2016 draft class)
▫️14 FF (fourth-most in NFL)
▫️85 QB hits (8th most in NFL)
▫️2017 Pro Bowl nod

A true play-making edge rusher.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) March 2, 2020

The one-time Pro Bowler played an integral role on the fierce 2017 Jags defense, which allowed the second-fewest points per game and earned the moniker "Sacksonville" after racking up 55 sacks on the year.

Ngakoue has a penchant for making plays, as shown by his league-leading six forced fumbles in 2017. He's also turned an interception and fumble recovery into touchdowns.

The Jags have fallen on hard times since that 2017 season, which saw the team nearly upset the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game. But Ngakoue should be part of the solution for the Jags in their attempt to return to the playoffs given his pass-rushing production at a young age.

Jacksonville initially gave the former Maryland star the non-exclusive franchise tag. Per Over the Cap, Ngakoue's base salary would be slated for $18,055,000.

The edge-rusher clearly indicated his desire to move on, though, as evidenced by this March 2 tweet:

https://twitter.com/YannickNgakoue/status/1234456012591161345

Ngakoue also got into a Twitter spat on April 20 with Jags senior vice president Tony Khan (the son of owner Shad Khan), reiterating once again his desire for a deal. 

The saga continues into the back end of July with the deadline now passed and Ngakoue's immediate future unknown at this point.

Yannick Ngakoue is reportedly doing all he can to facilitate a trade from the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the team doesn't appear to be in a rush to deal the Pro Bowl defensive end.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, Ngakoue has "engaged in contract discussions with multiple teams" and is "flexible" about potentially playing this season on the franchise tag, but a potential trade is being held up by the Jaguars' "unwillingness" to make a move.

An update on Jaguars’ franchise DE Yannick Ngakoue: pic.twitter.com/Nhj1MdrtDC

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2020

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the Jaguars were offered "a Pro Bowl player who didn’t fit their system" in one trade proposal but are still holding Ngakoue for the time being.

Ngakoue's status has been a focal point of this offseason. On March 2, he tweeted the Jaguars were made aware he "no longer" had interest in signing a long-term extension.

Jacksonville applied the franchise-tag designation to Ngakoue on March 13 to prevent him from becoming a free agent.

Trade rumors have swirled around Ngakoue, who has been public about his desire to play for another organization:   

Let’s agree to disagree . Why hold a man from taking care of his family. It’s obvious my time is up in my current situation. Let’s both move on @Jaguars 🏁 https://t.co/XvGcSAQQkH

— Yannick Ngakoue (@YannickNgakoue) March 31, 2020

The Jaguars didn't receive any trade offers prior to the 2020 NFL draft, general manager David Caldwell said.

ESPN's Jordan Raanan reported in April that Jacksonville's asking price for Ngakoue started at "a first-round pick and more."

Ngakoue has yet to sign his one-year franchise tender, which is worth $17.8 million in 2020. The deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals is Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET.

Ngakoue, 25, made the Pro Bowl in 2017 after recording a career-high 12 sacks. The Maryland alum has at least eight sacks in each of his four NFL seasons and has 85 quarterback hits in 63 career games.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue continues to seek a trade, and there is "some interest around the NFL" on a potential deal, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. 

The Jaguars placed the franchise tag on the pass-rusher, which could be worth $17.8 million in 2020 on the one-year tender, but the two sides have until Wednesday's deadline to agree on a long-term deal.

As Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported earlier this month, Ngakoue has asked for a trade and doesn't plan to sign the franchise tender or report to training camp.

Ngakoue notably argued with Tony Khan, the team's senior vice president of football administration and technology and son of owner Shad Khan, on social media while calling for a trade before the draft.

However, general manager Dave Caldwell said at the time he didn't generate much interest.

"Truth be told, we exercised the franchise tender. We weren't able to get a trade. Actually, weren't even really able to get an offer," Caldwell said, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. "So, I think his options are very limited at this point in time. We'll welcome him back with open arms when he's ready to come back, and we look forward to it."

Renewed interest could allow a trade to take place, with Rapoport noting it would be "complicated...but not impossible."

The 25-year-old has been one of the top pass-rushers in the NFL over the past four years, totaling 37.5 sacks in 63 games. He also has 14 career forced fumbles, including a league-leading six in 2017 to earn his lone Pro Bowl selection.

Ngakoue set a personal high with 41 tackles in 2019 to go with his eight sacks, adding an interception returned for a touchdown.

If he is traded, Jacksonville will try to move forward with recent first-round picks Taven Bryan, Josh Allen and K'Lavon Chaisson to carry the pass rush.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue has 37.5 sacks in four years in the NFL, but some see him as one-dimensional.

The 25-year-old didn't crack the top 10 of best pass-rushers in the league in a vote by team personnel, although he did get an honorable mention, per Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. One source provided insight into what kept him further down the list.

"He's a DPR: Designated Pass-Rusher," an NFC executive said. "Doesn't do much else."

The Jaguars used their franchise tag on Ngakoue this offseason, but he's still hoping for a trade and doesn't plan to sign the tag, as Fowler reported earlier in July.

He could make $17.8 million in 2020 on the one-year tender.

Despite his public desire to change teams, general manager Dave Caldwell noted in April there wasn't much interest from other teams.

"Truth be told, we exercised the franchise tender," Caldwell said, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. "We weren't able to get a trade. Actually, weren't even really able to get an offer.'

It likely indicates others believe Ngakoue to be little more than just a pass-rusher, although the fourth-year player tallied a career-high 41 tackles in 2019. He also added four forced fumbles and one interception returned for a touchdown.

Considering he also ranked fourth in the NFL in total pressures in 2018, per Pro Football Reference, it's clear he can help a defense beyond just sacks.

When the 2020 NFL regular season begins, the Jacksonville Jaguars are planning on allowing some fans into TIAA Bank Field. 

The team announced on Friday that "in compliance with state and local authorities and following CDC social distancing guidelines," it will allow 25 percent capacity for home games. 

Per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the NFL's "expectation" is that every team will require fans to wear masks during games in stadiums that permit attendance. 

The Athletic's Daniel Kaplan reported last month that the league was going to allow each organization to set fan capacity limits in stadiums starting with preseason games in August. 

"Attendance will be a state-by-state, county-by-county thing," one NFL source told Kaplan. "It will not be a one size fits all."

The Baltimore Ravens announced on Wednesday that it will reduce capacity to "fewer than 14,000 seats per game" if city and state protocols allow fans to attend games. The Kansas City Chiefs have also developed a plan that gives season-ticket holders flexibility in the event of reduced capacity or no fans allowed at Arrowhead Stadium. 

Per the latest update from the Florida Department of Health, Duval County has had 11,630 confirmed coronavirus cases, including a single-day record of 738 new cases on July 9.

The Jaguars are scheduled to open the 2020 regular season at home against the Indianapolis Colts on Sept. 13. 

By trading veterans like defensive lineman Calais Campbell, cornerback A.J. Bouye and quarterback Nick Foles and handing the reins under center over to second-year pro Gardner Minshew II, the Jacksonville Jaguars have made one thing crystal clear this offseason.

It's rebuild time.

There's one more major step to take in that rebuild—even if it's one the team doesn't necessarily want to take.

From the moment Jacksonville slapped the franchise tag on edge-rusher Yannick Ngakoue, the 25-year-old has made it abundantly clear that not only does he not intend to play under that tag in 2020, but he doesn't want to play another snap with the franchise. After piling up 37.5 sacks over four seasons with the Jaguars, Ngakoue wants out—period.

With the July 15 deadline approaching for teams to sign tagged players to a multiyear extension, those trade demands haven't changed. And with the possibility looming that Ngakoue could hold out into training camp, the Jags face a tough call: Deal Ngakoue while they can still get something, or dig in and potentially watch Ngakoue walk out the door with no compensation next spring.

It's a choice that really isn't one. Assuming Ngakoue is as serious about leaving as he has indicated, it's time for the Jags to find a dance partner and play Let's Make a Deal.

The only question that remains is with whom.

As ESPN's Jeremy Fowler tweeted, there's been no change in the impasse between player and club. Ngakoue doesn't just want a new long-term contract—he wants it with a new team.

A franchise tag situation to watch approaching July 15: Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue. I’m told nothing has changed with his stance - he still desires a trade - and doesn’t have immediate plans to sign the tag. This could bleed well into training camp, absent deal with a new team.

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) July 1, 2020

This dates all the way back to early March. Before the Jaguars even had a chance to franchise-tag Ngakoue, he declared he was no longer interested in continuing his career in Jacksonville.

"The Jaguars are aware I no longer have interest in signing a long term contract in Jacksonville," he wrote on Twitter. "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."

At the end of March, when Mike Garafalo of NFL Network tweeted that the Jaguars had spoken to multiple teams but weren't about to just give him away, Ngakoue doubled down.

"Let's agree to disagree," he said . "Why hold a man from taking care of his family. It's obvious my time is up in my current situation. Let's both move on."

Frankly, Ngakoue's public stance has quite possibly hurt him more than it has helped. His talent isn't in question. Ngakoue has never posted fewer than eight sacks in a season, he has forced 14 fumbles in four seasons, and he just posted a career-best 41 total tackles.

But that talent won't come cheaply. In addition to the $20-plus million per season Ngakoue is reportedly seeking in a new contract, there's the matter of compensation for the Jaguars—compensation that is believed to have started at a first-round pick…and more.

That first-rounder lines up with what the Seattle Seahawks got for trading Frank Clark a year ago. But teams aren't going to be as willing to consider that price tag if they believe Ngakoue is hellbent on leaving Jacksonville. Why sacrifice that high of a pick when you can wait and get him for less—or even nothing?

Well, other than the $20 million, anyway.

Still, as time passes, prices drop; the Houston Texans traded Jadeveon Clowney to Seattle for a third-rounder (and two defensive players in Jacob Martin and Barkevious Mingo who combined for one start in 2019) just before the beginning of the 2019 season.

If Ngakoue's price tag falls to Day 2, then it's a whole new ballgame. And whether the Jaguars want to admit it or not, a Day 2 pick (or package highlighted by one) beats what they'll get for Ngakoue a year from now—bupkus.

Assuming Jaguars general manager David Caldwell comes to this rather depressing realization (odds are the longer he waits, the less he'll get), there are a few teams that could get the Ngakoue sweepstakes warmed back up in short order.

     

Seattle Seahawks

It's no secret that the Seattle Seahawks desperately need to upgrade their pass rush. As a team, Seattle managed just 28 sacks in 2019—tied for the fewest in the NFC. The team's top pass-rusher was end Rasheem Green, who had all of four sacks. After the Seahawks traded for Clowney last year, he remains unsigned.

On one hand, this appears to be a deal that could work for all parties. With all due respect to Clowney, Ngakoue is a much more accomplished pass-rusher. He would offer the Seahawks something they've been sorely lacking: a true high-end presence rushing the passer. Given that Seattle will more likely than not be picking outside the top 20 in 2021, the team might be more open to moving its first pick. And as much as (if not more than) any other team listed here, the Seahawks could offer Ngakoue a chance to win.

The sticking point here? The big green one. Seattle presently has just under $14 million in cap space, per Over The Cap. The Seahawks balked at Clowney's asking price this year and traded Clark rather than pay him the big money the year before. Getting Ngakoue's deal on the books would take some doing.

Of course, it was easier to be frugal before the team's pass rush fell apart and the San Francisco 49ers blew past Seattle in the NFC West.

     

Philadelphia Eagles

As Dave Zangaro reported for CBS Sports Philadelphia, Ngakoue has made a number of cryptic Philadelphia Eagles references over the last couple of months. And per colleague Adam Hermann, while appearing on ESPN, Ngakoue's wish list for a new franchise sounded quite a bit like a certain team in Eastern Pennsylvania.

"I'm not really sure what team I'll be landing at, but the type of team I'd love to join is a team that has great culture. I really want to be a part of a team that has a great culture, and winning is a habit. I don't want to be part of a team where losing is a norm, or anything of that nature. I want to be part of something special. Also, I want to go to a place where the community, I can make a great impact in the community, reach out to younger people that look up to me."

The Eagles have the cap space to absorb Ngakoue's salary—Philly's sitting on the fourth-biggest war chest in the NFL (almost double what the Seahawks have at their disposal). The team also rather has a history in recent years of stockpiling talent along the defensive line.

And while the end position wouldn't appear to be a glaring need for an Eagles team that tallied 43 sacks a year ago, veteran Brandon Graham isn't getting any younger, Vinny Curry remains unsigned, and Derek Barnett has yet to live up to his first-round draft slot.

If the Eagles can make the compensation work, the fit is there.

     

Cleveland Browns

There are other teams with cap space and the need at edge-rusher to make a Ngakoue deal work—the Miami Dolphins and both New York teams come to mind. But those teams aren't as far along rebuild row as the Cleveland Browns—at least not yet. If Ngakoue really does want his next team to be a winner (or close to it), then those squads land in the "possible, but less likely" pile.

That brings us to Cleveland.

The Browns aren't winners right now. But the roster (on paper) appears much closer to contention. Cleveland has talent on both sides of the ball, but what it doesn't have is a capable No. 2 end opposite Myles Garrett. The Browns attempted to fill the void by trading for Olivier Vernon last year, but the 29-year-old responded with arguably the worst season of his career.

It's a hole the Browns appear intent on filling, as Cleveland has been linked to a number of big-name free agents at the position this year.

That includes Ngakoue. There has been speculation that the Browns are one of the teams that kicked the tires on Ngakoue, with Field Yates of ESPN theorizing recently that a package including a Round 2 pick and young tight end David Njoku could be enough to get the deal done.

That's a package the Browns can afford to lose with Austin Hooper in town. And while the Browns have massive extensions for Garrett and quarterback Baker Mayfield looming down the road, with over $37 million in cap space as things stand today, the cash for Ngakoue is there.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue reportedly still seeks a trade and doesn't plan to sign his franchise tag, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Ngakoue could make $17.8 million in 2020 on the franchise tag, while the two sides have until July 15 to agree to a long-term deal.

According to Fowler, the situation can "bleed well into training camp."

Ngakoue has been vocal about requesting a trade, even arguing with Tony Khan on Twitter, the team's senior vice president of football administration and technology as son of owner Shad Khan. 

General manager Dave Caldwell said after the draft the team didn't receive much interest in a trade.

"Truth be told, we exercised the franchise tender. We weren't able to get a trade. Actually, weren't even really able to get an offer," Caldwell said in April, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. "So, I think his options are very limited at this point in time. We'll welcome him back with open arms when he's ready to come back and we look forward to it."

If he isn't traded, the pass-rusher reportedly isn't likely to report to training camp. 

"No indication that he is planning to join them any time soon," Garafolo said in June, per Matt Howe of 247Sports.

The 25-year-old has been productive when on the field, totaling 37.5 sacks in his four NFL seasons. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2017 when he tallied 12 sacks and a league-high six forced fumbles.

Whether Ngakoue plays for the Jaguars in 2020 or not, the team should have faith in the defense after investing heavily in the draft on that side of the ball. Taven Bryan, Josh Allen, C.J. Henderson and K'Lavon Chaisson were all selected in the first round since 2018, with Henderson and Chaisson going into their rookie seasons.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars all-purpose weapon Denard Robinson has joined the team as an offensive quality control coach, ESPN's Field Yates reported Thursday.

The Jags selected the 29-year-old in the fifth round of the 2013 NFL draft, but he struggled to capture the success he experienced at the University of Michigan from 2009 to 2012:

He was a lethal dual-threat quarterback for the Wolverines. In November 2010, he became the first signal-caller in NCAA history to record at least 1,500 yards rushing and 1,500 yards passing in the same season, per ESPN.

The Florida native transitioned from quarterback to running back and wide receiver once in Jacksonville. Robinson's best pro season came in 2014 when he rushed for 582 yards and four touchdowns on 135 carries across 16 regular-season games.

Overall, he tallied 1,058 yards and five touchdowns on 263 carries as well as 310 yards on 47 catches. He last played in the NFL in 2016, but he suited up for the Atlanta Legends in the since-defunct Alliance of American Football in 2019.

Robinson was most recently an assistant coach and offensive analyst for Jacksonville University.