Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Melvin Ingram did not even spend the full 2021 season with the team, but many view him as a vital free agent.
The 31-year-old pass rusher was linked to Kansas City prior to the 2021 season, but visited the team and left without a contract. Ultimately, Ingram signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both fans and analysts alike chastised the Chiefs for not adding Ingram in the offseason, with pass-rusher being a noticeable personnel weakness. There were question marks regarding Ingram though, after an injury-riddled 2020 season. However, Kansas City had a second chance on Ingram.
The Kansas City Chiefs and Melvin Ingram both have championship aspirations, but will the veteran pass rusher return in 2022?
The Chiefs sent a sixth-round selection in the 2022 NFL Draft to the Pittsburgh Steelers in November, in exchange for Ingram’s pass-rushing services. Ingram was a rotational player for Pittsburgh, recording 18 pressures and one sack in seven games.
Ingram, who spent nine seasons with AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers, once bombarded Kansas City quarterbacks. In 2021, Ingram was a key part of the Chiefs’ defensive turnaround.
But, the Chiefs knew he would be a free agent after the season. Will the veteran return for another season, or will he chase one more big contract?