The Patriots made a roster move three days after an embarrassing loss to the Los Angeles Chargers.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, New England waived veteran linebacker Yannick Ngakoue. The Patriots picked up the 29-year-old midseason after the Baltimore Ravens released him. The edge rusher recorded nine tackles and zero sacks in six games.
Ngakoue’s notable play in his final game with the Patriots was a roughing the passer penalty on Justin Herbert. NFL broadcaster Ross Tucker criticized the ninth-year pass rusher for the blatant penalty and believed it was a selfish play to try to boost his stats for offseason negotiations.
The 2017 Pro Bowler failed to earn a pass rush grade over 60, according to Pro Football Focus. He only registered three pressures in his Patriots tenure.
Head coach Jerod Mayo noted New England will go all out to try to beat the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium this Sunday. Ngakoue’s release will open up a roster spot for someone else to try to make an impression in the regular-season finale.
