Melvin Ingram is set to visit K.C. Chiefs in free agency

The K.C. Chiefs will reportedly be the first team to bring in defensive lineman Melvin Ingram for a free agent visit this coming week, according to NFL reporter Ian Rapoport.

Ingram will be a familiar face in Arrowhead given his many visits there over the years as a pass rushing force for the Los Angeles Chargers for the last nine seasons. Ingram has 49 sacks since 2012 for the Bolts and the Chiefs (or any other team) would be his only other NFL home outside of SoCal.

Ingram made the Pro Bowl in three consecutive seasons from 2017-2019, but 2020 was a miserable season for Ingram. After holding out due to contract frustrations over guaranteed money, he suffered a knee injury early in the season that plagued him all year long. He played part of seven total games, but he was largely ineffective. For an already declining player who will be 32-years-old in April, the Chargers were ready to turn the page.

Melvin Ingram will make his first FA visit with K.C. Chiefs.

The Chiefs have a significant need at defensive end at this point, although the long offseason gives them plenty of time to address the issue. Alex Okafor and Tanoh Kpassagnon, two players who have taken over the starts opposite Frank Clark for the last two years, are both free agents this spring. There’s been little-to-no buzz about either player returning next season.

The Chiefs also faced the potential loss of rotational pass rusher Taco Charlton, but they decided to bring him in for another single-season deal despite missing half of last year with an ankle fracture. The Chiefs clearly liked what they saw to bring him back and continue the experiment.

How much does Ingram have left in the tank? How motivated would he be to finish atop the AFC West after playing for the Chargers these last few years? It will be interesting to listen to what the Chiefs say about his visit.