New England Patriots linebacker Yannick Ngakoue (55) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
It's been over a year since the New England Patriots officially released rusher Yannick Ngkoue. It was finalized after Ngkoue made a clumsy error against the LA Chargers at the end of 2024. He then sat out the entire 2025 season with an ankle injury sustained back in 2023.
But fast forward to 2026, Ngkoue, who's now a free agent, is vying to return, per Jordan Schultz of The Schultz Report. Ngakoue posted a video of himself working out, running sprints on the track, and doing weight training.
He is continuing a months-long training process to get back into the fold.
Free agent Pro Bowl DE Yannick Ngakoue, who has 71.5 career sacks, has been training for the past several months in preparation for his return to the NFL in 2026.
Ngakoue spent last season out of football to fully recover, with his sights set on returning this season. pic.twitter.com/4tSv6Uce8P
Ngakoue has been in the league since 2016. He has played for eight different teams. Those teams include the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears, and Indianapolis Colts, along with the Patriots.
He is a 2017 Pro Bowler and has recorded 238 tackles in his career. Ngakoue has averaged 70.5 sacks, forced 21 fumbles, and recovered 3 fumbles.
In 2016, Ngakoue had a standout rookie season with the Jaguars, setting a franchise rookie record with 8 sacks. Since then, he has established himself as a consistent pass rusher.
At the same time, he has bounced around from team to team and signed short-term deals. Furthermore, Ngakoue has been characterized as a one-dimensional player who is often brought in as a third-down pass rusher.
Meanwhile, he awaits his next destination. He is likely going to be picked up by a team looking to add additional depth on the edge. Plus, Ngakoue would be a low-risk rotational rusher brought in at certain moments of the game.