In a surprising move just three days after a disheartening defeat to the Los Angeles Chargers, the New England Patriots have decided to waive veteran linebacker Yannick Ngakoue.

The decision, reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, comes after the Patriots acquired Ngakoue midseason from the Baltimore Ravens. Despite high expectations, the 29-year-old pass rusher struggled to make an impact, tallying only nine tackles and failing to record a sack in his short six-game tenure with the team.

Ngakoue’s final appearance in a Patriots uniform was marred by controversy, as he committed a roughing the passer penalty on Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert. Prominent NFL broadcaster Ross Tucker condemned the move, suggesting that it revealed Ngakoue's selfishness in a desperate attempt to enhance his personal statistics before the offseason.

Once regarded as a Pro Bowler in 2017, Ngakoue’s performance in New England raised eyebrows among analysts. His pass rush grade, according to Pro Football Focus, fell below 60, and he managed to generate only three pressures while donning the Patriots jersey.

With the regular-season finale against the Buffalo Bills approaching this Sunday at Gillette Stadium, head coach Jerod Mayo indicated that the Patriots are poised to juggle their roster and maximize their chances for an impactful performance.

Ngakoue’s release will now allow the team to fill his spot with a player who can contribute more significantly as they head into a critical matchup.

As the Patriots continue to make adjustments in their lineup, fans are left wondering if this move is just the beginning of a larger overhaul as the team seeks to regain its competitive edge.

Will New England be able to bounce back, or will this season's woes continue into the postseason? Stay tuned for the latest updates!