Browns: 5 free agents that Cleveland could give a chance to
By Chad Porto
DE/OLB Melvin Ingram
Can’t have too much pass rushing.
Melvin Ingram isn’t a young man anymore and he’s coming off some major injuries recently. He didn’t really play much in 2020, only about 35% of the defensive snaps last year for the Chargers. Down from being in the high 80%. If Ingram can find something worth showing, he’d be a huge boost for the Browns defensive line. Especially since guys like Myles Garrett and Jadeveon Clowney can rush from the inside as well as the outside. So you could presumably have three defensive edge rushers on the line with Ingram, Garrett, and Clowney.
It’s possible that’s all Ingram is at this point in his career, just a pass rusher who can’t do much outside of third-downs. That’s very possible and makes it a huge reason to not over-pay for someone of his diminished skillsets.
There’s also the chance he can bounce back to a degree to his old form and if he can, not only do you get a cheap-third rusher but someone capable of playing outside at the linebacking spot.
A veteran’s minimum contract is all you should really consider offering Ingram.