Chiefs connected to Steelers’ Melvin Ingram ahead of NFL trade deadline
The NFL’s trade deadline is coming up on Tuesday, Nov. 2 at 3:00 p.m. CT.
After their Week 7 loss to the Tennessee Titans, there is some debate as to whether the Kansas City Chiefs should be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline. One thing is for certain, this team needs to find ways to get better, both right now and in the future.
One of the most glaring needs for Kansas City this season has been pass rush help along the defensive line. Chris Jones (17) and Mike Danna (13) lead the Chiefs in pressures so far this season, but adding another presence to that unit could help solve a lot of problems. The front office in Kansas City has apparently recognized this.
On Sunday, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Chiefs have been “on the hunt” for pass-rush help while also connecting them to Pittsburgh Steelers pass-rusher Melvin Ingram.
“The longtime Chargers veteran landed in Pittsburgh this year and has yet to hit his stride. With inconsistent playing time, teams have begun calling the Steelers about potentially trading for Ingram, and it does appear the Steelers have listened and engaged. Due the balance of just $1.075 million in base salary (the team paid $2.925 million in a signing bonus), Ingram isn’t expensive. The Chiefs have been among those on the hunt around the league for a pass rusher, and they did host Ingram on a visit before he signed.”
You might recall that Kansas City had an interest in Ingram during free agency, even bringing him to town for a visit. Ultimately, the former Los Angeles Charger chose to join Pittsburgh instead.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler also connected the same dots. Fowler claims the Chiefs are looking for a pass-rusher and that the Steelers are willing to deal Ingram, given the development of Alex Highsmith.
The 32-year-old Ingram appeared in 113 games over nine seasons with the Chargers, starting in 96 total contests. He recorded 360 total tackles, 49 sacks, 70 tackles for loss, 14 forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, 28 passes batted, three interceptions and 108 QB hits during his career. He earned three-straight selections to the Pro Bowl from 2017 through 2019, but injury limited him during the 2020 NFL season.
So far this season, Ingram has looked better than he did a year ago. He has appeared in 246 defensive snaps with 18 total pressures, including one sack. That number would be good for the most pressures by a defender on the Chiefs this season.
Should Kansas City opt to trade for Ingram the reception of a deal will likely be bittersweet for the Chiefs Kingdom. He should help the team improve their pressure on opposing quarterbacks. However, Brett Veach will likely face some criticism. Had the team simply made Ingram a better offer in the first place, they wouldn’t need to trade to acquire him midseason.
No matter what comes of a potential deal for Ingram, the Chiefs are exploring options to improve the defense. This one would likely be a short-term solution for Kansas City. Expect that they’re also doing their diligence on potential long-term solutions as well.
List
One player each NFL team could trade before the deadline, from Xavien Howard to Brandon Aiyuk
