The Patriots claimed veteran pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue off waivers from Ravens on Friday afternoon.
Since Ngakoue was cut after the trade deadline, he was subject to waivers despite being a vested veteran player. The Patriots inherit his $656,667 remaining salary.
The Patriots have struggled to pressure opposing quarterbacks this season. They traded outside linebacker Matthew Judon before the season and outside linebacker Joshua Uche ahead of the trade deadline. Top pass-rushing defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been on the non-football illness list since training camp with blood clots.
Ngakoue, 29, has spent time with the Jaguars, Vikings, Ravens, Raiders, Colts and Bears. He made a Pro Bowl in 2017 when he logged 12 sacks and six forced fumbles.
The Maryland product has 1.5 sacks in five games this season. He joins Keion White, Deatrich Wise, Anfernee Jennings and Ochaun Mathis among Patriots available edge defenders.
Ngakoue has seven total pressures this season, per PFF, in 67 pass-rush snaps. That includes one QB hit. He’s primarily served as a situational pass rusher throughout his career and could help spell Jennings, who’s been playing nearly every snap, on third down.
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