Yannick Ngakoue Makes Surprising Comments on Future With Patriots

The New England Patriots made a shocking move late last week, claiming veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens. The decision to sign Ngakoue came out of left field, especially after the Patriots traded Josh Uche to the Kansas City Chiefs.

That said, Ngakoue should be a major addition to the Patriots’ defense, which only has 25 sacks and 71 quarterback pressures this season. Ngakoue recorded 1.5 sacks and seven pressures in 67 pass-rush snaps in his short-stint with the Ravens.

On Wednesday, the veteran defensive lineman met with the New England media for the first time and was asked about the transition from the 7-3 Ravens to the 3-7 Patriots.

“It doesn’t matter to me. Where I was drafted to it was a team that didn’t win a lot,” Ngakoue said (h/t ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “The next year we were in the AFC championship, it’s all about your perspective, it’s all about how you can build some camaraderie and change those things.”

If you are a Patriots fan and head coach Jerod Mayo, you love to hear this from Ngakoue as they continue to change the culture in New England.

After going unsigned this offseason and not getting picked up until September by the Ravens for the practice squad, Ngakoue understands the opportunity he has in front of him. The Pats need another premier pass rusher to pair with Keion White and Deatrich Wise Jr., and head coach Jerod Mayo has even said he views Ngakoue as more than a pass-rusher.

White and Wise Jr. lead New England with five sacks. The Patriots hope Ngakoue makes his debut on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams.

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