The Steelers probably wouldn't part ways with Melvin Ingram if they were a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
But they're not. At one point, draft capital becomes more valuable than a backup pass-rusher.
Ingram wants out of Pittsburgh after playing seven games here, reports NFL Network and FAN Insider Aditi Kinkhabwala. She says the veteran linebacker is unhappy with his decrease in playing time.
This isn't surprising, considering Ingram signed a one-year deal last offseason. At 32 years old, this might be his last chance to land a lucrative deal in free agency. Sitting on the bench behind T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith doesn't help his value.
Ingram played over 50 percent of the snaps in Pittsburgh's first three games, but over the last three contests, he's seen his playing time reduced to 49 percent, 60 percent and 26 percent, respectively. Watt and Highsmith were nursing injuries earlier in the season. Now they're back and healthy.
Kinkhabwala reports the Steelers would balk at sending Ingram to an AFC rival, which would seemingly rule out the defensively starved Chiefs. That makes sense, though if Kansas City offered a third-round pick for Ingram, the Steelers would be hard-pressed to pass.
Ingram has 10 total tackles, six quarterback hits and one pass defended this season. He's no longer a difference maker, but could still serve as an impact complementary piece. That's why the Cardinals make great perfect sense. With J.J. Watt possibly out of the year, they need another pass-rusher. Chandler Jones has five sacks, all of which came in Week 1. Markus Golden leads the Cardinals with six sacks.
Arizona is also 31st in yards allowed per carry. That is the NFL's lone undefeated team's biggest weakness on defense. Ingram would help there.
With Ingram likely to draw interest from other contenders — the Rams come to mind — the Cardinals would probably be forced to pony up a mid-round pick. The Steelers don't have any selections for Day Three of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Who says no to this?
Cardinals get: Melvin Ingram
Steelers get: 2022 fourth-round pick
