The Packers have an interesting situation at the edge-rusher position. They have what is supposed to be a Pro Bowl-caliber sack master in Rashan Gary, but he hasn’t hit 10 sacks in a season during his five-year career. Preston Smith will be 32 next season but has recorded at least eight sacks in four of his five seasons in Green Bay. He is a quality second edge-rusher. Then, there is soon-to-be second-year pass-rusher Lukas Van Ness, who played just 33% of the defensive snaps last season (Pro Football Reference).

Another plot twist to the position is second-year edge-rusher Kinglsey Enagbare‘s torn ACL that he suffered in Green Bay’s wildcard round win in Dallas in January. Who knows when he will be ready? So, Green Bay has talent at the position, but they are lacking some production at the position. This is where free agent Yannick Ngakoue could help new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense out. Here is why adding the veteran edge-rusher would make sense for Green Bay:

Some Extra Firepower

Ngakoue is only 28 years of age but has somehow been in the league for eight seasons already. He is quite young for how much he has played. The 2017 Pro-Bowler has played for six different teams and has recorded 69 career sacks. Ngakoue has recorded at least eight sacks in seven of his eight career seasons, including two seasons with at least 10 sacks. His 142 QB hits, along with his 21 career forced fumbles, are quite notable too.

He is a really, really good player that doesn’t get a ton of recognition. Bringing him to Green Bay would be a really quality move. Not because he is an All-Pro that is averaging 15 sacks a season, but because he can help bring even more balance and production to a group that could use more of both.

How He’d Fit With The Pack

With Enagbare’s injury, it is hard to say what the Packers would do if and when he came back fully healthy. For now, the Packers could use another backup on one of the edges. Ngakoue could come in and spell Preston Smith or Rashan Gary when both need a rest, with Van Ness spelling whoever the starter would be on his side of the line.

With Gary and Smith being edge-rushers who consistently put up at least eight sacks in a season and with Van Ness ascending, imagine if Ngakoue poured in seven or eight sacks too. Jeff Hafley would have four players possibly combining for over 30 sacks at least. That’s not even counting what the interior of the defensive line, led by three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Kenny Clark, would do.

Bringing in Yannick Ngakoue on a one-year deal worth $5 million makes a lot of sense. This is a very productive player that has proven his consistency time and time again.