Melvin Ingram to Steelers: Veteran slams down on why he chose to sign with Pittsburgh

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The Steelers will get fresh passes when the team opens its training camp on Wednesday. Pittsburgh has signed the former Chargers Pro Bowler Melvin Ingram deal for one year, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Reportedly, Ingram drew attention from the bosses and the Dolphins before finally deciding to sign with the Steelers, at Rapoport.

With the ink still drying on his new contract, Ingram explained his decision to sign with the Steelers during a phone interview with NFL reporter Josina Anderson. Ingram, the nine-year veteran, paid tribute to the Steelers’ organization and environment after spending the day at the team’s facility.

“I definitely feel like it’s the right place for me,” Ingram said. “I met Coach (Mike) Tomlin. You could tell he was very involvedتورط [and is] Players coach. This is what stood out for me. He wants to win and that’s who I am now. My turn is my turn. He just told me to come in and be me. Everyone knows how to play.”

When Ingram is healthy, he is one of the most productive pass runners in the NFL. A Pro Bowler every season from 2017 to 2019, Ingram racked up 43 sacks from 2015-19. He also forced 10 assists during that period with 60 tackles recorded for losses, six recoveries, two interceptions, and 20 defensive passes.

Health is the biggest question facing the 32-year-old Ingram. Knee injuries limited Ingram to just seven games during his final season in Los Angeles. The 2020 season was the first time in his career that he failed to score a sack. But based on his visit with the Steelers, it’s clear that coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Kevin Colbert believe Ingram can at least deliver flashes of his early years with the Charger in Pittsburgh in 2021.

Ingram will be asked to contribute to what has been the league’s highest assists percentage every season since 2017. Pittsburgh recorded the top 56 sacks in the league in 2020, with 15 All-Pro sacks outside linebacker TJ Watt. Defensive end Stefon Tweet finished second to the team with 11 sacks, while outside full-back Bud Dupree, who signed a long-term deal with the Titans this season, finished third over the Steelers with eight sacks despite missing the last five games of the regular league. Season with a torn ACL.

Ingram vs. Watt will likely be used on the ride side in the Steelers’ defense. There, Ingram will join forces with sophomore passing defender Alex Highsmith alongside rookie Quincy Roche. Highsmith scored two bags and one interception as a rookie, while Roach recorded 30.5 bags and 54 tackles for a loss during his college career.

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