The New England Patriots have announced they are waiving veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue, providing him an opportunity to join a playoff team as the NFL season approaches its conclusion. Ngakoue, who was acquired by the Patriots due to their higher waiver priority, had a modest impact during his six-game stint in New England, recording nine tackles and two quarterback hits.
Interestingly, the Cincinnati Bengals had previously expressed interest in Ngakoue, having put in a claim for him back in November. With the Bengals currently sitting at an 8-8 record and preparing for a crucial matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, they are now in a position to potentially make another claim for the defensive end. However, their standing at 16th on the waiver priority list may complicate their efforts to secure Ngakoue's services.
As the Bengals gear up for their regular season finale, the focus remains on their playoff aspirations and the performance of key players, including quarterback Joe Burrow, who has been gaining traction in the MVP conversation following his recent performances. The team is also dealing with injuries, notably to offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr., who has been playing through significant pain due to a broken leg. With the stakes high, the Bengals look to solidify their playoff positioning while navigating the challenges of roster adjustments.
