KC Chiefs: Missing out on Melvin Ingram isn’t the end of the world

Earlier this offseason, the K.C. Chiefs brought in three-time Pro Bowl defensive end Melvin Ingram for a free agent visit, a sign that both sides were interested in making something happen. However, nothing came of the short visit and months went by with no further action. On Monday, any persistent hopes or rumors ended when NFL reporter Ian Rapaport confirmed the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Ingram to a one-year deal.

Losing out on a free agency addition never feels good. However, this isn’t the end of the line for the Chiefs when it comes to filling out the defensive line. With effective edge rushers like Justin Houston, Olivier Vernon, and Everson Griffen still on the market, there are plenty of cheap options available to bolster the defensive line with a reliable veteran.

All in all, Kansas City was in a prime position to sign Ingram and had enough cap space to do so. It’s not likely it came down to a bidding war over a 1-year deal at a mere $4 million for a 32-year-old defensive end. It’s more likely for the Chiefs came down to what they wanted or did not want—meaning they weren’t as interested in Ingram as the media made it out to be and/or as much as the Steelers.

Melvin Ingram’s decision to sign elsewhere isn’t a big deal for the Chiefs.

Instead, the Chiefs probably saw a defensive end who reached the end of a badly bloated contract extension in 2017 who battled with injuries and became statistically worse every season after signing his deal.

There shouldn’t be any reason to worry if you’re a Kansas City fan. The Chiefs came into this offseason with a need to fill at the defensive end, and we can be sure that need will be taken care of one way or another.