Jacksonville Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue ends holdout, reports without new deal

Jaguars defensive Yannick Ngakoue ended his holdout Sunday because he had no choice. Well, he could have waited to report until Tuesday, the deadline to get credit for this season so he maintains the option of entering free agency in 2020.

But Jacksonville negotiated with Ngakoue's reps before deciding not to meet their request for a massive, if warranted, boost in pay. So he showed up in time for a workout and a team flight to Baltimore for joint practices with the Ravens.

Due a shade over $2 million in this final season of a four-year deal, Ngakoue earns a pittance compared to equally accomplished peers. His numbers make a persuasive case for bigger bucks: 29 1/2 sacks, 193 quarterback pressures, 10 forced fumbles.

Because he was a third-round draft pick in 2016, Ngakoue accepted a modest contract. Inevitably, when a mid-rounder exceeds expectations, he believes a salary hike is justified before the contract expires. Some wait it out, knowing a golden payday is on the horizon.

SPORTSLINE: TOM BRADY INKS EXTENSION WITH PATRIOTS

Not Ngakoue, who played hooky from training camp, joining higher-profile players such as Ekekiel Elliott and Melvin Gordon in withholding their services. The running backs wield considerable leverage and might not be seen in uniform for awhile. Ngakoue's one-man protest was destined to be short-lived.

The Jags might have an excuse not to pump up his compensation this year, though they are to blame. They ridiculously overpaid quarterback Blake Bortles. He is gone, and so is $16 million in "dead" money that limits their spending for others.

Ngakoue seemed in reasonably good spirits when addressing the media Sunday. He is assured that untold amounts of riches await, whether the money comes from Jacksonville or another team. A continuance of high-level performance puts him in play for about $20 million annually.

CBS SPORTS: DWAYNE HASKINS LISTED AS THIRD STRING ON REDSKINS DEPTH CHART

The Jags do face a more immediate decision regarding Ngakoue. The league allows for fines of $40,000 for each day that a player under contract elects not to check in to training camp.

Ngakoue held out for 11 days and is subject to a larger hit for skipping a mandatory three-day offseason workout. The call on waiving or enforcing the fines might hint at whether the Jags intend to play nice or take a hard line in subsequent negotiations.