Before the trade deadline, NFL players with four or more accrued seasons become immediate free agents if cut, bypassing the waiver process.
After the deadline, though, the waiver rules apply to all, which could open an opportunity for the Green Bay Packers.
On Thursday, the Baltimore Ravens waived edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue. According to ESPN insider Adam Schefter, the Ravens hope to bring Ngakoue back to their practice squad, but he must first clear waivers.
The Packers could be interested. Currently, Green Bay has the 23rd position in waiver priority, based on reverse standings updated weekly after Week 3.
If the Packers submit a claim and no higher-priority team does, they would assume Ngakoue’s contract with the Ravens for the rest of the season.
If the Packers successfully claim Ngakoue, they would pay him a $605,000 base salary for the remainder of the 2024 season.
While not a complete edge rusher, Ngakoue’s style could benefit the Packers, especially after their recent trade of Preston Smith to the Steelers for a seventh-round pick.
Ngakoue’s 12.1% pass rush win rate this season surpasses that of the Packers’ top three defensive ends, Rashan Gary, Kingsley Enagbare, and Lukas Van Ness.
Beyond these players, the Packers’ depth is limited to developmental options like Arron Mosby and Brenton Cox.
In 67 pass rush snaps, Ngakoue has generated seven pressures — one more than Van Ness, who has 141 snaps.
His skill set could address the Packers’ struggles with edge pressure, as his lighter frame (246 lbs) offers a unique dynamic.
Given Ngakoue’s production, salary, and fit, a claim by the Packers seems compelling. While a higher-priority team could also make a claim, that remains out of Green Bay’s control.
With GM Brian Gutekunst’s history of finding value in waiver claims, this could be a promising move for the Packers.
