PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – First reported by CBS Sports Jason LaConfora that a visit would happen this week, NFL Network confirms free agent pass-rusher Melvin Ingram visited and signed a one-year contract with the Steelers Monday.
The 32-year-old defensive end was a first round pick of the Chargers in 2012 and had a couple of 10.5 sack seasons in 2015 and 2017. The 6'2", 247 pounder had seven sacks each in 2018 and 2019. Limited by injuries in 2020, Ingram played in just seven games with no sacks and no tackles for loss. He had 10 total tackles, five QB hits and an interception in 2020. In his career, 49 sacks, 70 FTL, 28 passes defended, 14 forced fumbes and three interceptions.
Ingram suffered a knee patella sprain in September last year, going on short-term injured reserve. He then suffered the same injury again in November and placed on season-ending IR.
"The ability is there, he hasn't been right (health) in two years," voice of the Chargers Matt Smith told the PM Team on 93.7 The Fan. "I think he's still got it and he's still an awesome locker room force. The players absolutely loved this guy. He was certainly one of the locker room leaders."
The line between outside linebacker and defensive end is blurring more and more as those positions are being referred to by some as 'pass rusher'. At least some are specializing is being a pass rusher and not concerned about the other duties typically identified with outside linebacker.
Ingram provides veteran depth behind second-year linebacker Alex Highsmith taking over for Bud Dupree opposite of TJ Watt to begin the season. Highsmith has only started five NFL games and the other back-ups are journeyman Cassius Marsh (also mainly a defensive end) and rookie Quincy Roche. While Roche is promising, it's his first year and he's a sixth round pick.
Steelers report to camp on Wednesday and begin closed practices on Thursday.
