Report: Steelers Out of Justin Houston Sweepstakes, Bringing in Melvin Ingram for Visit

The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly out of the running for one of the top free agent pass rushers on the market, but may have a shot at signing another.

According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, the Steelers were interested in signing former Chief and Colt edge rusher Justin Houston, but find themselves on the outside looking in.

As a result, La Canfora reports that the Steelers are now bringing in former Chargers pass rusher Melvin Ingram in for a visit this week. He added that Pittsburgh is pursuing other options as well.

Steelers remain on the hunt for pass rush help. Had interest in Juston Houston but that does not appear to be a match. Will bring in Melvin Ingram for a visit this week and possibly others.

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) July 18, 2021

Even with two-time All-Pro T.J. Watt and promising youngster Alex Highsmith, the Steelers are alarmingly thin at edge rusher. The only depth they currently have behind Watt and Highsmith are sixth-round pick Quincy Roche and journeyman Cassius Marsh.

The 32-year-old Ingram could prove a valuable situational weapon, or even a viable starter if an injury were to arise.

Selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, Ingram had played his entire nine-year career with the Chargers.

Ingram is a three-time Pro Bowler, and has recorded 49 career sacks, 70 tackles-for-loss and 14 forced fumbles.

He did not record a sack in 2021, but dealt with a nagging knee injury that forced him to miss nine games.