Jaguars Yannick Ngakoue says he is focused on playing football this season

After an 11-day holdout because of a contract dispute with the team, Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue said he is back and ready to play football.

He’s Baaaaack! Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue reported to training camp on the morning the team is set to travel to Baltimore for joint practice sessions during the week.

Ngakoue, a third-round pick out of Maryland in 2016, ended his 11-day holdout over a contract issue prior to the official start to the preseason which takes place on Thursday night against the Ravens. According to Jaguars head coach Doug Marrone, the star pass rusher was always going to attend training camp, but no date had been set for his return.

The coaching staff didn’t hold Ngakoue, who had 9.5 sacks in 2018, back on the practice fields as he lined up with the first team for reps from the get-go.

"“I love football, I love my teammates and I’m here to play games,” Ngakoue said shortly after Day 9 practice.”"

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He did report to the team’s facility without a new deal in hand – something that we all will still monitor as the preseason progresses. Ngakoue still has one-year remaining on the rookie deal that will pay him just over $2 million in 2019.

Marrone, who talked to the members of the media prior to the team’s practice session, said he and the organization were happy to have the defensive end in the building and on the field.

"“He’s ready to go, he’s in great shape, and we’re all together,” Marrone said."

At the beginning of training camp, it was Marrone who said he understood the business side of football, but he did not get involved in what was transpiring between the player and team. Ngakoue and his agent are seeking a long-term deal. The Jaguars did make him an offer, but according to sources, it was declined for various reasons.

Now, Ngakoue is focusing on football and the season ahead here in Jacksonville.

"“At the end of the day, they had a chance to sign me for a long-term deal, but it is what it is,” Ngakoue said. “At the end of the day, I know my value, I know my worth. That’s all I can say.“What’s meant to happen is going to happen,” he said, adding that he never considered sitting out the season: “I love football. Like I said in the beginning I was going to play regardless.”"

Now that he is on the field and working opposite Calais Campbell and with rookie edge rusher Josh Allen, the Jaguars are poised to have one of the best pass-rushing trios in the NFL this season. He and Campbell combined for 20 sacks last season after tallying 26.5 sacks in 2017.

There are few in the league who play with as much intensity and motivation as Ngakoue, who has been praised by the coaching staff for how he has conducted himself on and off the field from the moment he was drafted by the Jaguars. It’s the kind of play defensive coordinator Todd Wash has spoken about many times over the past three seasons. His size and speed make it difficult for offensive linemen to block him off the edge. This season, however, Ngakoue may have more incentive to ply even harder if a new deal cannot get done.

"“I bet on myself every season,” he said. “I was a third-round pick, underrated. I bet on myself and I’m still here. … I’m in God’s hands at the end of the day. I’ve been playing this game since I was in the sixth grade, so it’s in his hands. I can’t really worry about the future.”"