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Steelers Sign Free Agent Edge Rusher Melvin Ingram

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with free agent outside linebacker Melvin Ingram, the team announced on Tuesday. The news was first reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on Monday. Ingram visited with the team on Monday, according to multiple media reports.

The one-year contract is worth $4 million, according to a report by Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports.

Ingram, 32, was a first-round pick of the then-San Diego Chargers in 2012 and sent nine seasons with that franchise, earning three Pro Bowl selections from 2017-19. In 2020, Ingram was bothered by a pair of knee injuries that limited him to five tackles and no sacks in seven games.

Since becoming a full-time starter in 2014, Ingram averaged over seven sacks per season before his injury-plagued 2020 campaign. In total, Ingram owns 49 NFL sacks, 70 tackles for loss and 108 quarterback hits. His best season came in 2017, when he recorded 56 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 25 quarterback hits, 10.5 sacks, forced one fumble and recovered two, including one for a touchdown.

Ingram has played both 3-4 outside linebacker and 4-3 defensive end in his career with the Chargers. The Steelers have a depth need at outside linebacker, with 2020 starter Bud Dupree and backup Ola Adeniyi both moving on in free agency.

Ingram should be expected to slot in behind starters T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith and provide an immediate upgrade to the depth and rotation ability of the unit. Veteran Cassius Marsh and sixth-round rookie Quincy Roche are also expected to provide depth at the position.

In addition to Ingram, the Steelers also signed free agent tackle Chaz Green on Tuesday. To make room on the 90-man roster, the team released tackle Jarron Jones and inside linebacker Calvin Bundage.