The New England Patriots are taking steps to strengthen their struggling defense, currently ranked in the bottom 10.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Patriots claimed veteran pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue off waivers on Friday after he was recently released by the Baltimore Ravens.
Ngakoue, a 29-year-old former third-round pick, made the Pro Bowl with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017 and tied for the league lead in forced fumbles that season with six.
Since then, he has played for five different NFL teams, with the Patriots now becoming his sixth.
Ngakoue still offers value as a pass rusher, with 70.5 career sacks, including 5.5 over the past season and a half. Although his addition won’t likely turn around the Patriots’ 2-7 season, he could provide a boost, especially as head coach Jerod Mayo faces increased scrutiny.
To make room for Ngakoue, the Patriots waived linebacker Raekwon McMillan. Originally a second-round pick by the Dolphins in 2017, McMillan was traded to the Raiders in 2020.
He played out his rookie contract before joining the Patriots in 2021 on a one-year deal, then re-signed for another year despite an ACL tear.
In 2024, McMillan appeared in nine games, starting in four, and recorded 45 tackles and one pass defended.
