According to Adam Schefter, the Baltimore Ravens declared on Thursday that they were waiving defensive end Yannick Ngakoue. “If he clears waivers, the Ravens want to re-sign him to their practice squad,” Schefter said. The Detroit Lions are among the teams in the league that are showing interest in this development.
The Lions’ Priority Waiver
The Lions are ranked No. 31 on the waiver priority list, despite having an outstanding 7-1 record thus far this season. The Lions added to their defensive line this past Tuesday by acquiring Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns just before the trade deadline. Ngakoue may be considered a role player at this point in his career, but in certain circumstances, he might give the Lions a significant boost.
The Seasonal Performance of Ngakoue
Despite playing just 87 defensive snaps this season, Ngakoue has already registered 5 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His performance this season has fallen short of expectations, despite the fact that he has occasionally been acknowledged as one of the NFL’s best pass rushers. The 29-year-old defensive end may find it enticing to join a winning team like the Lions in an attempt to rejuvenate his career.
Hutchinson’s Filling the Gap Left by
The Lions’ pass rush has significantly decreased in output as Aidan Hutchinson is probably gone for the rest of the season with a leg injury. By contributing experience and skill to a defensive line that is keen to stay competitive, Ngakoue might help close that gap. Smith and Ngakoue together might form a strong edge duo that enables the Lions to successfully pressure rival quarterbacks during crucial situations.
A man with Ngakoue’s experience and promise might be a big addition as the Lions continue to pursue a postseason berth. The Lions’ executive staff will need to determine whether Ngakoue fits into their defensive system and whether claiming him off waivers is in accordance with their long-term objectives as the waiver deadline draws near.
With Ben Johnson and head coaching positions, an NFL insider confirms the obvious.
Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has withdrawn from consideration for positions over the last two NFL head coaching hiring cycles, most likely before the procedure was completely developed. He is obviously not in a rush to leave a favorable situation in Detroit, so he will need to be presented with an exceptional head coaching opportunity.
After last season, there were rumors that Johnson wanted to join the Chicago Bears, according to Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer late last month. Naturally, though, it was never revealed since Matt Eberflus was kept on.
Recent weeks have seen a slight upheaval in Chicago, with a few disappointing defeats reinforcing the notion that Eberflus is not long for his position. broadly speaking, with Caleb Williams as the young quarterback and some intriguing components surrounding him. If a position with the Bears becomes available after this season, Johnson might still be interested in it.
The obvious regarding Ben Johnson and head coaching positions is reiterated by an NFL insider.
Adam Schefter of ESPN discussed Johnson on Thursday’s “Get Up” addition in light of the current trends surrounding a potential Chicago job opening.
“If Ben Johnson decides to leave Detroit at all, he will be extremely picky about where he goes.” “He will exercise extreme caution,” Schefter stated. “I’m not aware that he wants to leave that division to go to a location where you’re discussing the turmoil that has existed in that organization. That is up to him; we shall see. However, I think he will be quite picky about how he conducts business.
The Bears’ dysfunction may place them in a similar position to the New York Jets, whose overall circumstances could turn Johnson off if they are interested in hiring him as their head coach after the season.
After the season, host Mike Greenberg pointed out that Schefter used the word “selective” instead of “sought after” in reference to Johnson and head coaching positions. Schefter’s original claim was easily and predictably reinforced.
Schefter stated, “He will be (sought after).” He won’t necessarily be interviewing with eight clubs just because, let’s say, there are eight openings this year and eight organizations have him on their want list. If Ben Johnson is doing interviews this year, I believe he is doing so with the goal of accepting the position.
Schefter made no comments regarding Johnson or future head coaching vacancies. Johnson has stated that if and when he accepts a head coaching position, he will be deliberate and selective. Once more, he will only remain with the Lions if there isn’t a suitable fit at the end of this season. Then, the question might be whether he ever considers accepting a position as head coach.