KC Chiefs FA profile: Melvin Ingram is fan favorite to return
By Jacob Milham
Why bring him back?
Bringing Ingram back is all about the eye test.
Ingram was not otherworldly in the stat department, but the defense had a huge positive shift upon his arrival. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce described how Ingram helped the team’s mentality.
“I said it when he came here, any time you add a ‘Juice Man’ or just an ultimate competitor like him, it doesn’t matter what spot you put that guy in, he’s got a great feel of being a competitor and just playing with teammates,” Kelce said. “That’s why he fits the mold so perfectly when he got here. Both his energy on the field and who he is on the field as a playmaker. It was just the perfect match. I’m definitely glad to have him here and not have to go against him twice a year.”
Ingram’s motor and relentless play popped off the screen for fans. He made of impacted many plays, simply by not giving up. That approach would benefit Kanas City not only in 2022 but if Ingram is a veteran example for any young Chiefs pass-rusher.
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Also, Ingram positively affected defensive tackle Chris Jones. Jones started 2021 on the edge, partially at his request and to fill a team need. Jones was not making his usual impact on the edge, as he is a natural interior defender. With the Ingram trade, Jones was able to slide back inside. The impact was nearly immediate, highlighted by a 3.5 sack performance against the Dallas Cowboys. Ingram returning would ensure that Jones stays on the inside, only improving the defense’s potential.
Lastly, Ingram has made his championship aspirations known, both during the season and after the 2022 Super Bowl. Kansas City could provide Ingram the best chance at a championship while keeping him on the field. It is a scenario that benefits both parties, as Kansas City is in dire need of the position.
Why let him go?
If one thing lures Ingram away, it might be the money.
Ingram’s 2021 performance in Kansas City could mean he commands a sizeable pay raise. The Chiefs paid Ingram less than $600,000 in 2021, a bargain for his impact. He could see a short-term contract worth more than $8 million annually. While Kansas City should invest further in the position, Ingram might not be the right player to invest in. Kansas City could focus more on retaining long-time players such as safety Tyrann Mathieu or cornerback Charvarius Ward, leaving Ingram behind.
Also, remember that age is a precarious cliff for NFL players. Ingram is firmly on the wrong side of 30, turning 33 this spring. Ingram might be in the league for a while, but the decline is apparent. 2020 saw Ingram get sidelined with injury too, something that might accelerate that decline. Ingram once saw 50 or more snaps per game for the Chargers. That is a level Ingram hasn’t returned to, average 38.4 snaps per game for the Chiefs.
Ingram only logged one sack with Kansas City, hardly the production needed from the position. As a team, Kansas City ranked amongst the league’s best in hurry and pressure percentages, yet only mustered 31 sacks as a team. If any aspect of the Chiefs needs a major overhaul, it is rushing the passer. Ingram was part of that lackluster unit for much of the year, something that cannot be ignored.