(Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
News broke yesterday afternoon that veteran outside linebacker Melvin Ingram agreed to terms with the Steelers after having a visit at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. And we now know the contract details. According to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports, Ingram's one-year deal is worth $4 million.
According to Overthecap.com, the Steelers had $13,139,993 in cap space prior to the Ingram signing, so $4 million on a one-year deal for a proven pass rusher is really a steal.
Ingram, 32, is a three-time Pro Bowler and has recorded 49 sacks in his nine seasons with the Chargers. A knee injury limited Ingram to just seven games last year, and he didn’t record a sack and had just 10 tackles.
Regardless, he's still a big-time upgrade as the No. 3 outside linebacker over journeyman Cassius Marsh and rookie Quincy Roche, who was a sixth-round pick.
Reporter Josina Anderson spoke with Ingram after he signed with the Steelers and he said that he feels like Pittsburgh is the perfect designation for him.
"I just did the deal not too long ago and just got to the airport. It’s definitely a dope organization and environment; so I definitely feel like it's the place for me," Ingram said.
Ingram also told Anderson that he had talked with Mike Tomlin on the phone.
"I met with coach (Mike) Tomlin. You can tell he's very involved and a players' coach," Ingram said. "That's what stood out to me. He wants to win and that is what I am on. My role is my role. He just told me to come in and be me. Everyone knows how I play."