Edge defender Melvin Ingram will be one of the most polarizing pending free agents. While Ingram has been a key piece of the defense and locker room for years now, his time in the blue and gold is up in the air.
Ingram, 31, was originally selected by the Chargers in the first-round of the 2012 NFL draft. He was named to the Pro Bowl in 2017, 2018, and 2019 after posting 24.5 sacks during that time.
However, limited to only seven games in 2020, it was the first season in Ingram’s career in which he did not record a sack. His season was cut short after being placed on the injured reserve twice.
That could be a bad combination for a player entering free agency: injured and unproductive. But given Ingram’s production throughout his career, he should have a market.
Sure, the injuries might make the market limited and Los Angeles could sign him cheap, but the team may use the money elsewhere.
Los Angeles has other unrestricted free agents that have proven themselves as worth keeping like Hunter Henry, Michael Davis and Rayshawn Jenkins.
The team could also be looking to use that money on other positions of need like the offensive line.
Looking ahead if Ingram isn’t re-signed, L.A. can roll with Uchenna Nwosu as a full-time starter. Nwosu has shown to be capable of earning an expanded role, but was never given the extended playing time due to Ingram’s presence.
Or, the team can draft someone to add to their pass-rush group. This year’s class presents plenty of talent across the board.
If Ingram is re-signed, it will likely be in the ballpark of $8-10 million per year for a season or two and $12-14 million guaranteed at signing.