Indianapolis and Las Vegas exchanged Yannick Ngakoue and Rock…
Indianapolis and Las Vegas exchanged Yannick Ngakoue and Rock Ya-Sin in March 2022. Both incoming players became one-year starters and then left their new clubs. Ngakoue started 15 games for the Colts and led the team with 9.5 sacks; Ya-Sin started nine of 11 games for the Raiders and defended seven passes. Because each team received useful short-term production without a lasting asset, the trade grades evenly.
Indianapolis Colts Received
- player Yannick Ngakoue
Las Vegas Raiders Received
- player Rock Ya-Sin
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
The Colts and Raiders completed a straight player-for-player trade in March 2022: Indianapolis acquired edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue and Las Vegas acquired cornerback Rock Ya-Sin. Both clubs announced the same terms. The transaction matched scheme and roster needs, with Indianapolis seeking pass rush and Las Vegas seeking corner help, and neither side added draft compensation.
Indianapolis Colts Return
Ngakoue delivered exactly the short-term production the Colts were buying. He started all 15 games he played in 2022 and finished with 9.5 sacks, the highest total on the team. That made him a meaningful pass-rush contributor even in a disappointing season. Indianapolis did not retain him beyond the year, however, so the return was productive but temporary rather than a multi-season building block.
Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders Return
Ya-Sin also became a useful one-year starter. He appeared in 11 games, started nine and recorded seven passes defensed while handling a substantial cornerback role. His coverage results were respectable, and he addressed a clear need after Las Vegas changed defensive direction. Like Ngakoue, he left after the season, so the Raiders did not turn the deal into extended team control or a future asset.
Value in Hindsight
Hindsight produces remarkable symmetry. Indianapolis received 15 starts and 9.5 sacks from a veteran edge rusher. Las Vegas received nine starts and solid coverage work from a younger corner. Each player supplied legitimate value in 2022, and each departed after one season. Positional preferences can change which side looks better, but the realized tenure and impact do not create a meaningful overall gap.
Final Verdict
Call it even. Both teams receive a B-. The Colts got the stronger splash statistic in Ngakoue’s sack total, while the Raiders got a credible starting corner in Ya-Sin. Neither return lasted beyond 2022, so the transaction looks like a successful short-term needs swap for both clubs rather than a clear victory for either side.