The 2022 NFL free agency period is off and running at a furious pace. As players continue to sign during free agency, predictions for free agent edge rusher Melvin Ingram continue to be discussed. Which NFL teams in need of additional pass rusher help could benefit from acquiring Ingram in free agency?
Predictions for Melvin Ingram in 2022 NFL free agency
Sitting at No. 5 on PFN’s list of available edge rushers, Ingram is part of arguably the deepest positional group among the 2022 free agent class. We have seen numerous edge defenders get serious paydays, including Chandler Jones, Von Miller, Harold Landry III, Haason Reddick, and Emmanuel Ogbah. But we’re still waiting on the second wave, which includes Ingram, Jadeveon Clowney, Justin Houston, and Jerry Hughes.
Wherever Ingram goes, his new team hopes to acquire the version of him we saw in Kansas City. In November, Ingram was sent from the Steelers to the Chiefs in exchange for a sixth-round pick and became a completely different player than he was in Pittsburgh. In eight games with the Chiefs, Ingram had 24 pressures, 15 tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble.
Aside from Ingram’s impressive stats, the Chiefs’ defense seemed to be a completely different animal with him on the roster. In the eight games without him, Kansas City allowed 27.5 points and 391.5 yards per game, generated only 8 turnovers, and posted a 4-4 record. With him on the field, the Chiefs gave up 15 points and 347 yards per game, recorded 20 turnovers, and went 7-1. I’d say that sixth-round pick was worth it.
Set to be 33 years old in 2022, Ingram is looking for one last payday with a contending team. And after seeing some of the contracts for players at his position, I’d say that payday is coming very soon. The question is with who?
Kansas City Chiefs
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Sure, that is a touch of an oversimplification, but there is little incentive for either side to move on from what works. Ingram enjoyed a productive season in a new atmosphere, and the Chiefs were able to generate a pass rush, forcing opposing QBs to make careless mistakes.
The arms race is on in the AFC West, and the Chiefs can’t take their foot off the proverbial pedal. They already lack pass-rushing depth and cannot afford to allow Ingram to sign elsewhere. And for Ingram — who wants to play for a winning team — it’s hard to find a more consistent contender than Kansas City. If I were to lay money on a single prediction, this would be the one for Ingram.
Green Bay Packers
It’s hard to figure out what is happening in Green Bay. Sure, they brought back Aaron Rodgers, but they traded away Davante Adams and allowed Za’Darius Smith to become a free agent. While Smith’s deal with the Ravens fell through, he isn’t on the Packers, and that is what matters. Green Bay now has an estimated $22 million in cap space and quickly needs to make moves.
After signing Preston Smith to a four-year extension, Ingram could come in to play alongside him in 2022. In all likelihood, he wouldn’t break the bank, which is critical as the Packers need to keep pace with the Rams and Buccaneers in the NFC.
Cincinnati Bengals
Slowly but surely, the Bengals have been making steady moves in free agency, most notably on the offensive line in order to better protect Joe Burrow. You won’t see me complaining about that approach. However, Cincinnati could also look to add more pass-rushing help alongside Trey Hendrickson, who has been all but unstoppable the last two seasons.
Sam Hubbard recently signed an extension, and while he’s solid, Cincinnati could use another rotational piece upfront. Ingram could step in and give them that needed boost defensively while pushing unproven options like Cam Sample and Khalid Kareem further down the depth chart.
