The Pittsburgh Steelers are officially beefing up their outside linebacker positions in Pittsburgh. They will be signing Melvin Ingram to a one-year deal according to Ian Rappoport. Ingram had interest from the Chiefs and Dolphins but chose ultimately chose the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers lost Bud Dupree during the 2021 offseason and are expected to promote Alex Highsmith as the starting EDGE on the opposite side of TJ Watt. Highsmith was injured toward the end of the 2020 season so the Steelers would like to have an insurance policy in Melvin Ingram on the edge.
Should the Steelers sign Ingram, the Steelers would be looking for him to play 20-25 snaps per game as the top reserve according to Ray Fittipaldo. Now the Steelers will finally have the third edge they have been looking for. It will also give Quincy Roche an opportunity to develop behind a solid edge group in TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Melvin Ingram.
Melvin Ingram said he did the deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers not too long ago with Pittsburgh Steelers. and just got to the airport. He said the Pittsburgh Steelers are a dope organization so he definitely feels it's the place for him to be. Ingram also met with Coach Mike Tomlin and said, "Tomlin is very involved and a players coach." That's what stood out to Ingram most. His role will be his role in Pittsburgh and Tomlin told him to come in and be him. Everyone knows how he plays the game of football.
Pro Football Focus gave Melvin Ingram a better 2020 grade than Bud Dupree and he had zero sacks. That should tell you how high PFF is on Melvin Ingram. Now they will be even bigger on Ingram heading to Pittsburgh. It was a no-brainer signing to bring in a veteran edge player to help contribute with TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith. If Highsmith or Watt end up getting injured the Steelers now have their insurance policy in Melvin Ingram to fill in. Great pickup by GM Kevin Colbert!