LOOK: Jaguars’ star, co-owner exchange barbs over stalled trade talks

By Matt Johnson

·Updated: April 20, 2020

Jacksonville Jaguars edge rusher Yannick Ngakou made it clear this offseason that he no longer wanted to play for the organization. Things got even worse after the team placed the franchise tag on him, not allowing the Pro Bowl defensive end to test free agency. Now with the 2020 NFL Draft approaching and Ngakoue stuck with the Jaguars, things escalated on Twitter.

Ngakoue called out co-owner Tony Khan, the team’s senior vice president of football administration and technology and the son of majority owner Shad Khan. Clearly not happy with the lack of movement on his trade request, the 25-year-old edge rusher took the feud public with one of the team’s top executives.

I’m not in hiding sir, I’m in isolation getting ready for the draft. I’ve been pretty active on social media in isolation, but you wouldn’t know that since you unfollowed me (again).
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) April 20, 2020

Khan decided he had enough of Ngakoue’s constant talking on Twitter and responded, working in a subtle shot at the defender’s social media behavior. Of course, Ngakoue immediately responded and revealed that he told the team he wanted out months ago then called the team’s 37-year-old co-owner a spoiled brat.

Credit to Khan for taking a classier approach in his response, but he still found a way to work in a few more shots at Ngakoue with some advice on how he should be handling the situation.

It’s a new regime here sir. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of the contributions you made here. That said, tweeting insults at me won’t get you traded any faster. Only good trade compensation will do that. Please redirect your efforts into a more productive outlet
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) April 20, 2020

Neither of the two was done with the exchange. Ngakoue emphasized his demand to get out of Jacksonville, while casting off Khan’s advice. Fittingly, Khan came back with the perfect response to drive home the point of the further difficulties Ngakoue is creating to facilitate a trade.

Show me the compensation. I’m sure you’re really driving up the price today btw.
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) April 20, 2020

Ngakoue is certainly one of the most productive, young edge rushers in the NFL. He recorded 13 tackles for loss, eight sacks and four forced fumbles in 15 games. Since being drafted with the 69th pick in 2016, Ngakoue has also registered four consecutive seasons with eight-plus sacks.

However, his contract demands and the recent behavior on Twitter likely make it more difficult for the Jaguars to trade him. However, their asking price likely isn’t helping get him out of town.

Both sides would clearly be better off with a separation and that could still happen during the 2020 NFL Draft. Given the public feud, though, the Jaguars might not receive the offers they like and Ngakoue might need to wait even longer because of it.