Jacksonville Jaguars free agency 2020: Top 5 targets

1. Defensive End Yannick Ngakoue

The salary cap is definitely a problem for the Jaguars, but they absolutely have to find a way to retain defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. Since being drafted as a third rounder in 2016, Ngakoue has become a premier pass rusher, racking up at least eight sacks every year he has been in the league.

That kind of production doesn’t grow on trees, and other teams with pass rushing problems are no doubt salivating at the prospect of Ngakoue reaching the open market. The Jaguars’ defense is at its best when Ngakoue is harassing opposing quarterbacks, and letting him go would be a disaster for the unit.

Money should be a serious concern for the Jaguars, but good teams find a way to keep elite young talent from leaving the building. At a minimum, Jacksonville should be able to redistribute enough money to slap Ngakoue with the franchise tag, ensuring he will play for them in 2020.

The ideal solution would be to come to terms with Ngakoue on a long term deal, but that could be tricky considering how many other holes Jacksonville has to fill if they want to compete in 2020. It is also unclear if Ngakoue would be content to play under the tag in 2020, and the Jaguars clearly don’t want a repeat of the Jalen Ramsey situation here.

It may hurt financially, but the Jaguars absolutely have to find a way to ensure that Ngakoue is with the franchise for the long term. If Ngakoue leaves, the Jaguars’ chances of returning to the postseason for the first time since their 2017 AFC Championship Game run will take a severe hit.