There’s zero doubt that the Las Vegas Raiders need help in the pass rush department. While it’s a bit early to tell what they plan to do, should they be looking at Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram for a boost?
The Raiders have plenty of unanswered questions heading into the offseason. Before the team can even worry about what players to bring back or which ones they will bring in, they need a defensive coordinator. Whoever gets the nod will surely have input on the kind of players the team should target via free agency or the draft. Be that as it may, unrestricted free agent Melvin Ingram should warrant a look at the very least. If nothing else, the Silver and Black would also be weakening their AFC West rival.
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Will Raiders pay to see if Ingram has anything left in the tank?
Ingram has been one of the best Chargers defenders for the better part of a decade. Nevertheless, he could have a chip on his shoulder in 2021, as he has battled injuries and saw his production take a huge nosedive in 2020. This doesn’t necessarily Ingram cant thrive anymore. In the right situation where Ingram’s sole mission will be to get to quarterbacks, he could turn it around.
Let’s not forget, Raiders head coach Jon Gruden loves his veterans and the Silver and Black historically love reclamation projects. Ingram’s a three-time Pro Bowler that in 2019 had 11 tackles for a loss in 13 games, add in seven sacks which is the same as Maxx Crosby this season.
Obviously, Ingram won’t be getting anything near his previous deal with the ‘Bolts’. That contract was worth nearly $64 million with a signing bonus of $10.5 million per Spotrac. The Raiders still have decide to do with their defensive line with so many underwhelming performances in 2020. Nonetheless, Ingram, if healthy, could be an affordable option this offseason, we’ll have to wait and see.
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