Yannick Ngakoue has made a name for himself as one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers.
Known for his explosive speed and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Ngakoue has become a force to be reckoned with on the defensive line.
This article will teach you about Yannick Ngakoue’s net worth, salary, career earnings, contract, stats, wife, career overview, and more.
Yannick Ngakoue’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Yannick Nicolas Ngakoue |
| Nickname | – |
| Age | 29 |
| Birth Date | March 31, 1995 |
| College | University of Maryland |
| Height | 1.88 m |
| Nationality | American |
| Net Worth | Estimated $20-30 million |
| Salary (2024) | $806,667 base salary |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship |
| @yannickngakoue |
Early Career
Yannick Ngakoue’s journey to NFL stardom began at Friendship Collegiate Academy in Washington, D.C.
As a high school athlete, he quickly made a name for himself, earning first-team Parade All-American honors and being named the 2012 D.C. Gatorade Player of the Year.
At Maryland, Ngakoue continued to impress. He set the school’s single-season sack record with 13.5 sacks in 2015, breaking a record that had stood since 1982.
Professional Career
Ngakoue’s NFL journey began when he was selected by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft.
He wasted no time making an impact, recording 8 sacks in his rookie season. His breakout year came in 2017 when he amassed 12 sacks and earned a Pro Bowl selection.
Over the next few years, Ngakoue continued to be a consistent force on the defensive line, maintaining his reputation as one of the league’s top pass rushers.
His career has seen him play for several teams, including the Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, and Chicago Bears.
Girlfriend
Yannick Ngakoue is currently in a relationship with Maria Perez. Perez is a TV personality and a 2-time Emmy winner.
Their relationship began in 2022. Before dating Perez, Ngakoue was in a relationship with Cassie Ettel in 2019, but they later broke up.
Yannick Ngakoue’s Net Worth Details
Yannick Ngakoue’s net worth is estimated to be between $20-30 million as of 2025.
Contract
Yannick Ngakoue is under contract with the Baltimore Ravens. His current deal is a 1-year contract worth $1,210,000. The contract details are broken down as follows:
- Base Salary: $806,667.
- Cap Hit: $656,667.
- Average Annual Value: $1,210,000.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2019 | Jacksonville Jaguars | $3,480,587 |
| 2020 | Minnesota Vikings & Baltimore Ravens | $17,788,000 |
| 2021-2022 | Las Vegas Raiders | $26,000,000 |
| 2022 | Indianapolis Colts | $13,000,000 |
| 2023 | Chicago Bears | $10,500,000 |
| 2024 | Baltimore Ravens | $806,666 |
| Total Career Earnings | – | $54,208,679 |
Endorsements
Some potential endorsements for a player like Ngakoue might include:
- Sports equipment brands (e.g., Nike, Under Armour)
- Sports nutrition companies
- Local businesses in Baltimore or his hometown
- Video game appearances (e.g., Madden NFL series)
- Social media partnerships
Career Records
| Achievement | Details |
|---|---|
| Single-Season Sack Record (Maryland) | 13.5 sacks (2015) |
| Pro Bowl Selection | 2017 |
| Consecutive Games with a Sack | 8 (tied for 3rd-longest streak since 1982) |
| Career Sacks | 69.0 (as of 2023 season) |
| Forced Fumbles | 21 (as of 2023 season) |
FAQs
1. Who is Yannick Ngakoue?
Yannick Ngakoue is an NFL defensive end who has played for multiple teams, including the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders, Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, and New England Patriots. He was drafted in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Jaguars.
2. What are Yannick Ngakoue’s career highlights?
Ngakoue has recorded 70.5 career sacks and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2017. He led the NFL in forced fumbles that same year and is one of only five players in NFL history with at least eight sacks in each of their first six seasons.
3. What college did Yannick Ngakoue attend?
He attended the University of Maryland, where he set a school record with 13.5 sacks in a single season (2015) before declaring for the NFL Draft.
4. Why has Yannick Ngakoue played for so many teams?
Despite his consistent production as a pass rusher, Ngakoue has moved frequently due to team changes, contract disputes, and fits within defensive schemes. He has played for seven teams in nine seasons.
5. What is Yannick Ngakoue’s playing style?
Ngakoue is known for his quick first step and ability to rush the passer effectively. However, he has faced criticism for his run defense and struggles in one-on-one matchups.
6. What was Yannick Ngakoue’s best season?
His best season was in 2017 with the Jacksonville Jaguars when he recorded 12 sacks, six forced fumbles, and earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
7. What are some challenges Yannick Ngakoue has faced in his career?
Ngakoue has dealt with team disputes, including a public falling-out with Jaguars management. He has also struggled to secure a long-term contract despite his consistent performance.
8. Why did the Patriots release Yannick Ngakoue?
The Patriots waived him after just six games in 2024 due to underwhelming performance, including only three pressures and two quarterback hits on 116 pass-rush snaps.
9. What is Yannick Ngakoue’s contract history?
Ngakoue has signed several short-term deals throughout his career, including a $10.5 million one-year deal with the Bears in 2023 and a $1.21 million one-year deal with the Patriots in 2024.
10. What records does Yannick Ngakoue hold?
At Maryland, he set a single-season sack record with 13.5 sacks in 2015. In the NFL, he holds the distinction of being one of five players to achieve at least eight sacks in each of their first six seasons.
