One of the many questions that the 2021 Pittsburgh Steelers need to answer is how to overcome the loss of key defensive players.
Bud Dupree, Steven Nelson, and Mike Hilton are gone.
Alex Highsmith, Cameron Sutton, and Arthur Maulet are expected to pick up the slack.
The Steelers recently added a new face that could upgrade this defense immediately.
He is defensive end Melvin Ingram, who just signed a one-year contract worth four million dollars with the Steelers.
Source: The #Steelers are signing FA pass-rusher Melvin Ingram to a 1-year contract to beef up the edge. The former #Chargers star lands in PIT before camp begins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 19, 2021
Who Is Melvin Ingram?
Ingram is 32 years old.
He was drafted in the first round (18th overall) of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Ingram spent his entire career with the San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers.
He is a three-time Pro Bowler in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
Melvin Ingram 2019 sack reel #Steelers pic.twitter.com/aif9LC1y0h
— BlitzburghUSAVideos (@sdextrasmedia) July 19, 2021
Ingram’s best season was 2017.
He had 43 solo tackles, 25 quarterback hits, 10.5 quarterback sacks, two fumble recoveries, and one touchdown (from the fumble recovery).
In 2020, Ingram battled a knee injury that limited his playing time and productivity.
Can He Revive His Career With The Steelers?
The Steelers are known for aggressive pass rushing.
TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, Melvin Ingram, Devin Bush, Vince Williams, Robert Spillane… No one is stopping that wrecking crew. pic.twitter.com/exAepL5Kez
— SteelerNation (@SteeIerNation) July 19, 2021
Ingram, with 49 career sacks in nine seasons, did not record a sack in his seven games in 2020.
He already feels at home with the Steelers organization.
The Steelers were not the only team pursuing Ingram, but are where he felt the best fit.
Melvin Ingram had interest from the #Chiefs and #Dolphins but was being patient and waiting. Now, on a visit in Pittsburgh, he agrees to terms with the #Steelers. https://t.co/eYimRORDKl
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 19, 2021
In a phone interview, Ingram said:
Just got off the phone with Melvin Ingram who is signing with the #Steelers (@rapsheet 1st): "I just did the deal not too long ago and just got to the airport. It’s definitely a dope organization and environment; so I definitely feel like it's the place for me." 1/2
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 19, 2021
Melvin Ingram on the phone [Cont]: "I met with coach (Mike) Tomlin. You can tell he's very involved & a players' coach. That's what stood out to me. He wants to win and that is what I am on. My role is my role. He just told me to come in and be me. Everyone knows how I play." 2/2
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) July 19, 2021
Ingram can be an impact player if healthy.
The Steelers clearly have faith that the knee is healed, and his ability to cut and his overall speed will not be affected or slow to return as he resumes in 2021.
In that case, a healthy Ingram, a North Carolina native who played college ball at South Carolina, can revitalize his career a little closer to home.
NEXT: 3 Top Steelers Storylines As Hall Of Fame Game Nears