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Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly close to trading Yannick Ngakoue — should the Raiders acquire him?

Raiders were connected to pass rusher before the 2020 NFL draft

NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland Raiders
Yannick Ngakoue
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Well-connected former NFL front office man Michael Lombardi, who worked for the Raiders, is reported on Wednesday that the Jacksonville Jaguars are close to trading pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue.

Lombardi says a deal could occur as early as this afternoon and that two teams are in the running.

Of course, that makes us wonder about the Raiders.

The Raiders were said to be close to trading a first-round pick for Ngakoue in the hours before the 2020 NFL draft started on April 23.

According to NFL insider Adam Caplan, the Raiders recently reignited talks with the Jaguars before training camp.

It’s uncertain if the Raiders would still be interested in Ngakoue. They are happy with the way their young defensive needs, Clelin Ferrell and Arden Key, are progressing in training camp. They also have standout pass rusher Maxx Crosby and free-agent pick up Carl Nassib.

If the Raiders do make a push for Ngakoue, they will have a ton give up a high draft pick and Ngakoue will demand a big contract. The Raiders currently have about $4 million in salary-cap room. Therefore, Ngakoue may have to wait to get a new deal in 2021. But I could see that being feasible for him.

Ngakoue, who is just 25, has 37.5 career sacks in four NFL seasons.

UPDATE: Lombardi is now reporting the New York Jets are seriously involved in trade talks.