Ranking every player on the Steelers free agency board
By Kinnu Singh
7. Yannick Ngakoue, DE
Yannick Ngakoue is one of the bigger names to hit free agency this season, and it’s more likely than not that the Steelers choose to spread out their cap savings rather than splash it all on one player.
That being said, the team could still benefit from what Ngakoue has to offer, which is a consistent ability to make plays. The fact that he’s played for five different NFL teams in the past four years isn’t a demerit but a sign of adaptability. According to Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport, Ngakoue has “recorded at least eight sacks in each of his first seven seasons — a feat that has been accomplished just five times in the history of the NFL.”
But Ngakoue may re-sign with the Indianapolis Colts, or it’s possible another NFL team could swoop in and reward the 27-year-old with a hefty contract. Ngakoue’s AAV in 2022 was $13 million, so even if the Steelers free up cap space, it would likely be a tight squeeze to fit him onto the roster.
Still, playing Ngakoue opposite T.J. Watt would create a nightmare pass rush that every team would fear, especially in the AFC North. After all, it’s the Cincinnati Bengals who believe Ngakoue would be an ideal fit for their team, which makes this acquisition all the more appealing.