One of the top free agents remaining on the open market has found a new team with the regular season just over a month away.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Chicago Bears have signed veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue to a one-year contract worth $10.5 million.
It was certainly surprising to see Ngakoue last this long on the open market. One of the NFL’s most consistent pass rushers, Ngakoue recorded 9.5 sacks in 15 games for the Indianapolis Colts last season.
Since his 2016 rookie season, Ngakoue has never posted fewer than eight sacks in a single campaign. Back in 2017, he posted a career-high 12 to go along with six forced fumbles while as a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Ngakoue will be a welcoming addition to a Bears’ defense that allowed 27.2 points per game last season, the worst mark in the league. Earlier this offseason, GM Ryan Poles addressed the defense by signing standout linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards and defensive end DeMarcus Walker.
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral NFL stories via Google! Follow Us
Suddenly, the Bears’ front seven looks like a strength now. And if this defense can turn a corner in a hurry, Chicago just might make some noise in the wide-open NFC North division that no longer features Aaron Rodgers.
Ngakoue and the Bears will open their 2023 season with a home game against the rival Green Bay Packers on Sept. 10.
