A former Pro Bowler will be joining the pass rush in Foxborough.
The New England Patriots claimed veteran outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue off waivers from the Baltimore Ravens on Friday, as first reported by NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and later processed on the transaction wire.
Ngakoue, 29, stands 128 games into a career that began in the third round of the 2016 NFL draft. He has amassed 229 tackles, 70.5 sacks and 21 forced fumbles while also having a hand in three recoveries, two interceptions and two touchdowns.
The Maryland Terrapins product had returned to Baltimore as a member of the practice squad in September and signed to the 53-man roster in October. Through five appearances this fall, he registered 1.5 sacks across 87 defensive snaps and was credited by Pro Football Focus for seven quarterback pressures.
Vested veterans became subject to the waiver system after the league’s trade deadline passed Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
Ngakoue, listed at 6-foot-2, 246 pounds, has started 115 games and led the NFL in forced fumbles back in 2017. He has also been a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts and Chicago Bears. A broken ankle ended his 2023 on injured reserve in December after signing a one-year, $10.5 million contract amid training camp.
The 2-7 Patriots visit the 4-4 Bears for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff Sunday at Soldier Field.
