Jaguars Yannick Ngakoue focused on playing football, not contract talk

Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue spoke to the media on Tuesday after the first day of OTAs. He said he is focused on football, not contract negotiations.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue told the media on Tuesday afternoon after the team completed its first day of OTAs, he is here to play football.

With discussion in media circles centering around whether or not the fourth-year player should be on the practice field for something that is considered voluntary, Ngakoue, who has 29.5 sacks in the previous three seasons here in Jacksonville, shrugged off questions about his potential contract negotiations and concentrated on the football side of things.

Everything else will be left to those who handle the business side of football.

"“My production speaks for itself at the end of the day,” he said. “That is really a question for the front office. I can’t control that. All I can control is me getting better each and every day.”"

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Ngakoue’s production has been consistent with the Jaguars since he was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft. While his 12 sacks in 2017 were his high-water mark for his career, the 9.5 sacks last season may have been a bit of a dip in productivity, but it has not lessened his drive and determination. Ngakoue is one of the more intense players on the Jaguars defense.

As Todd Wash, the Jaguars defensive coordinator, said on many occasions last season, he does not have to worry about one of his star pass rushers being ready to play on Sundays. Ngakoue plays with a chip on his shoulder – whether it is on a practice field in May or on Game Day once the season begins.

Yannick Ngakoue came to the team’s practice facility to begin the Jaguars offseason workout program two weeks ago but left. He told the media it was a matter of getting extra work in on his own. Now, being here with his teammates, the preparation for 2019 continues to push forward.

He wants to be a leader on this roster and hopes to become one of the team’s captains this season. It was something he spoke about before he left TIAA Bank Field following the Jaguars 5-11 season in 2019.

"“It is important because I love the game and I try to go hard every day 100 percent,” he said. “That is what I intend on doing and just come out here trying to get better each and every day, helping out my teammates. I’m trying to be a captain this year.”"

Now football is the main focus. He said money doesn’t mean that much to him, but he also explained he knows what he is worth on the playing field.

"“I’m here to play ball. Let those guys handle it, the front office and my agent,” he added. “He has experience doing those things and I have experience making plays on the field. That’s why I’m here.”"

Yannick Ngakoue’s importance to the Jaguars is felt throughout the defense. He and Calais Campbell have combined for 46 sacks in the last two seasons.