KC Chiefs FA profile: Melvin Ingram is fan favorite to return
By Jacob Milham
Recommendation
This is a very hard call. There are several more dominoes that influence this decision.
On one hand, Ingram immediately changed the Kansas City defense. His intangibles amplified the Chiefs’ defensive talents, returning the team to contender status. Young players, such as linebacker Nick Bolton and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, feed off his energy. While his stats may not show it, Ingram changed the Chiefs’ defense for the better.
On the other hand, Ingram’s best years are behind him. The player with three-straight Pro Bowls isn’t there anymore, and that is okay.
Players get older, and they adapt. That is what Ingram has done. He is no longer the player terrorizing quarterbacks, rather a reliable starter for now. But, that does not make him a priority. If Ingram chooses the highest bidder, odds are that is not Kansas City. The cap is tight, despite several smart contract moves by general manager Brett Veach. There are several players that might want to return, extend, or join the team in free agency.
Would Ingram be better than most options at the defensive end? Yes. Is he the best? No.
Both parties have expressed open communication and patience with each other. That would allow both Ingram and Kansas City to explore other options, best for each of them. Unless Kansas City goes all-in on another pass-rusher, Ingram should return. If Mathieu departs, Ingram should be a lock to return.
Prediction
Kansas City signs Ingram to a two-year, $14 million deal.
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