Houston Texans free agency 2020: Top 5 targets

One of the most important players in the AFC South to be hitting free agency is Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. His rookie deal will be expiring, as the sack artist was formerly a third-round pick by the Jaguars in the 2016 NFL Draft out of Maryland. As with Derrick Henry of the Tennessee Titans, landing Ngakoue would help Houston and hurt a rival.

Ngakoue would be a player who could merit being slapped with the franchise tag. However, the Jaguars are in the third-worst shape against the salary cap in the league. They are roughly $40,000 in the hole. If Ngakoue were to be tagged, that would cost the Jaguars a projected $18 million. Either the Jaguars plan to cut some guys or a player of Ngakoue’s caliber will walk.

Overall, Ngakoue would add a level of spark to the Texans’ pass rush in his second contract. He has 37.5 career sacks and was a Pro Bowler in his second year in the league on the legendary 2017 #Sacksonville defense. At only 25-years-old in 2020, Ngakoue would be hitting his playing prime on his next contract. Houston has a great opportunity to pry him away from a division rival.

Ultimately, Ngakoue will be a hot commodity in free agency this spring. He will get paid, but whether that’s by the Jaguars or by somebody else remains to be seen. Landing Ngakoue as a free agent won’t come cheap, but it’s the type of move that could usher in another half-decade of competitiveness for a solid Texans team. He can be the Deshaun Watson of the Houston defense.