(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Overall, outside linebacker Melvin Ingram was a productive player during his nine-year tenure with the Chargers, recording 49 sacks, 360 total tackles, 108 quarterback hits, 70 tackles for losses, 14 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries and three interceptions.
However, he had a tumultuous season last year due to a knee injury that sidelined him for nine games. In the seven games that Ingram played, he didn't record a single sack.
Due to the lack of production and availability, the Chargers let Ingram's four-year, $64-million deal expire, and the three-time Pro Bowler became a free agent. It took until mid-July, but Ingram saw Pittsburgh as a perfect fit and signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Steelers. Ingram gives the Steelers a different dimension as a pass rusher, as he's versatile and can rush up the middle when in the rover position.
"I just felt like the program, the coaches, the team, everybody, it was a place I felt like I could call home, a place I can come in and fit in," Ingram said on why he signed with the Steelers. "Everything was amazing here, down to the coaches, the players, the city, just how they do everything. They welcomed me with open arms."
As far as the Chargers moving on from Ingram, he said that he holds no grudges toward the organization, as he understands it's a business.
"That has no motivation for me," Ingram said on the Chargers letting him go. "It's a business. I understand the business. I'm not a person that gets salty about it. They changed my life. Nine years ago, they changed my life. Ten years ago, they changed my life. That's no motivation for me. Me, waking up and doing my work every day is all the motivation. I've got two kids and a family. My family, my girl, my kids, that's what motivates me."
And on signing a one-year contract with the Steelers, Ingram said that was his decision.
"No, that's what I wanted. That's what I wanted," Ingram said when asked if receiving a one-year contract surprised him. "Just because I had an injury last year. I want to come back and show people I'm still me. I understand it's a business."
Comments