Yannick Ngakoue signs deal with Bears
The Chicago Bears got some much-needed defensive line help by agreeing to terms with edge defender Yannick Ngakoue Thursday night.
The #Bears are signing former #Colts star pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue to a 1-year, $10.5M deal, sources say, giving them a weapon off the edge they’ve been seeking. Ngakoue has never played for Matt Eberflus, but he’s played in his system before. It should be seamless. pic.twitter.com/kbj8qAUnRx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 4, 2023
Ngakoue has been a model of consistency rushing the passer throughout his career, recording at least eight sacks in every season since entering the league in 2016 (the only player in the NFL to do so in that span). He has struggled to defend the run (43.7 and 28.6 run-defense grades the past two seasons) but is a welcomed addition for a defensive line unit that ranked 31st in the league prior to his arrival.
Saints, Cameron Jordan agree to contract extension
The New Orleans Saints locked up their all-time franchise sack leader through 2025, presumably ensuring that he retires as a member of the organization.
Eight-time Pro-Bowl DE Cameron Jordan, the Saints’ all-time leading franchise sack leader, reached agreement on a two-year, $27.5 million guaranteed contract extension that ties him to New Orleans through the 2025 season.
The $27.5 million in new money comes with $27.5 million… pic.twitter.com/0ltP5Xyov8
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 4, 2023
Jordan’s 74.5 overall grade last season ranked 31st out of 119 qualifying edge defenders. He ranked inside the top 10 among edge defenders in every season from 2016 to 2021, recording no lower than an 84.3 overall grade in that time.
Jordan has been one of the most underrated players in the NFL for more than a decade now. His 115.5 career sacks sit atop his Hall-of-Fame resume, but he’s also been one of the best in the game defending the run.
Jeff Okudah carted off at Falcons camp
Cornerback Jeff Okudah was carted off the field at practice today after suffering an apparent leg injury.
Jeff Okudah being carted off here at #Falcons training camp pic.twitter.com/PWA4Y817UW
— Evan Newton (@_evannewton_) August 4, 2023
Okudah was selected third overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2020 NFL Draft. He was traded to the Atlanta Falcons in April for a fifth-round pick after struggling with injuries and inconsistent play in his first three years in the league.
The former Ohio State Buckeye played 789 snaps last season (more than his first two years combined), recording one interception (pick-six off Justin Fields) and breaking up five other passes. Okudah is part of a revamped Falcons defense in 2023 that now includes Jessie Bates III, Calais Campbell, Kaden Elliss and David Onyemata.
Zay Flowers flashing star potential
Rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers has been getting a lot of attention from local and national media. NBC Sports’ Peter King said Flowers was the most impressive rookie he’s seen this season.
With Rashod Bateman on the physically unable to perform list, Flowers has been given the opportunity to work with the first-team offense and appears to be solidifying himself as a top-two wide receiver on the team alongside Odell Beckham Jr.
Flowers was the third receiver selected in the 2023 NFL Draft but is the best pure separator in the class. He recorded five or more receptions on targets 20-plus yards downfield in all four of his college seasons, including 12 in 2022.
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