By Jordan Long
On Monday, the Los Angeles Chargers agreed to a contract extension with defensive end Melvin Ingram. The deal is four-years worth $66 million and includes $42 million guaranteed.
Ingram has been a productive part of the Chargers’ defense. In his 5 years in the NFL Ingram totaled 203 tackles and 24.5 sacks. Offenses need to know where he lines up because he can wrap up the quarterback. Those sacks can be the difference in field position. Ingram is valuable in the running game because he rarely misses tackling the running back. He can also force fumbles which cause turnovers and allows the offense back on the field. Ingram has forced 11 fumbles.
At the end of the 2016 season, the Chargers wanted to keep Ingram around. His contract was going to expire. They gave him the franchise tag in February. The goal was to keep him in a Charger uniform for a long time. They had until July 15th to reach an agreement or he would be playing under the tag. The Chargers decided that this deal was fair to both sides and Ingram agreed. This allows them to keep him around to team with Joey Bosa. They are one of the best pass rushing tandems in the NFL.
According to ESPN, new Defensive Coordinator Gus Bradley is moving from a 3-4 formation to a 4-3. He expects Ingram to play a large role in the new configuration. According to ESPN, Bradley said, “With his production and his effort, he’s just been a highly productive player. I just think for him it’s the opportunity to rush more and be on the line of scrimmage more.’
The Chargers were lucky to keep Ingram. He is becoming one of the Chargers’ best pass rushers. They could have let him test free agency after the upcoming season, but decided it was best to keep him around. Ingram will keep making plays for this defense.
What do you think of the Los Angeles Chargers keeping Melvin Ingram?
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