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?
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.
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.