In a nostalgic twist to their roster, the Baltimore Ravens are reuniting with former defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Known for his explosive pass rushing, Ngakoue is back where he once made headlines, albeit briefly, in hopes of recapturing his disruptive form on the field.
Defensive end Yannick Ngakoue makes his way back to Baltimore
Yannick Ngakoue’s return to the Ravens isn’t just a trip down memory lane; it’s a strategic move to fortify Baltimore’s defense as they aim to escalate their pass rush pressure. At 29, Ngakoue has had a journeyman’s stint across the NFL since his last appearance in a Ravens’ uniform in 2020.
His career, marked by quick bursts of high performance followed by quieter seasons, saw him rack up three sacks in a short span with the Ravens post a mid-season trade from the Minnesota Vikings.
Yannick Ngakoue is returning to the Baltimore Ravens. https://t.co/Zg3hTwXx4L
— Washington Times Sports (@WashTimesSports) September 24, 2024
Despite a less-than-stellar track record in his following teams—including the Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and most recently the Chicago Bears—Baltimore’s decision to bring Ngakoue back speaks volumes. His last season with the Bears was marred by a broken ankle, contributing to a quieter year with only four sacks. However, his proven ability to disrupt offenses is a bet the Ravens are willing to make again.
Baltimore’s current edge-rushing group, led by the formidable linebacker Kyle Van Noy, has shown promise but lacks depth. Van Noy and Odafe Oweh have started the season strong, with Van Noy amassing four sacks in just two games and Oweh adding 2.5, demonstrating their capabilities. However, beyond this duo, the team’s depth is relatively untested this season, with younger players like David Ojabo and rookie Adisa Isaac still finding their footing in the NFL.
More pass-rush help on the way: Ravens are bringing back DE Yannick Ngakoue, who last played in Baltimore in 2020, per source. The 29-year-old Ngakoue has 69 career NFL sacks. pic.twitter.com/7j3YbfCqxy
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 23, 2024
Ngakoue’s reintroduction starts on the practice squad, a strategic move that allows him to adjust to the current team dynamics without immediate pressure. This gradual integration is aimed at bringing Ngakoue up to speed to potentially elevate the team’s defensive game plans significantly.
As the Ravens gear up to face the Buffalo Bills in what promises to be a riveting Sunday Night Football matchup, all eyes will be on how this seasoned pass rusher can influence Baltimore’s defense. Will Ngakoue’s return mark a resurgence for him and a tactical win for the Ravens? Only time will tell, but the stage is set for an exciting defensive shake-up.