4 teams that should call the Chargers about Melvin Ingram
As Melvin Ingram sits out or practice in a contract protest, these 4 teams should call the Chargers about him.
The dynamics of training camp are different in the NFL this year, as and as such any player’s decision to hold out is different too. According to Daniel Popper of The Athletic, Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Melvin Ingram is sitting out of practice because he’s dissatisfied with his current contract.
Ingram is entering the final year of his contract, and he carries a team-high $16.625 million cap hit. But none of his $14 million base salary for this year is guaranteed, and any COVID-19 -related shutdown would push unearned money into a future contract.
Ingram reported training camp and is attending meetings and walkthroughs. So he can’t be fined, unless the Chargers wants to push that envelope toward conduct detrimental to the team.
Ingram has seen teammate Joe Bosa get a historic five-year, $135 million contract this offseason. The new money average in Bosa’s deal, $27 million, is nearly double what Ingram is slated to make this year.
The Chargers may work something out with Ingram. A new deal may include a signing bonus to offset a low 2020 base salary.
Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac did a market value evaluation of Ingram.
Brandon Graham’s 3 year, $40M restructured extension with the #Eagles is a viable foundation as a new contract for 31 year old Melvin Ingram with the #Chargers, though this would mean he’ll play for half the salary teammate Joey Bosa is now earning.https://t.co/1CHRvxtg8a pic.twitter.com/VT0MGSuO2h
— Spotrac (@spotrac) August 18, 2020
Ingram has made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three years, with at least seven sacks in five straight campaigns. With no clear idea when he’ll return to practice, at least without a new contact, the Chargers may strat to entertain trade offers.
Even if the Chargers aren’t to the “throw up their hands and trade him” phase yet, these four teams should be inclined to make a call about Ingram right now.
4 teams who should call the Chargers about Melvin Ingram
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. AFC. 4. East. New York Jets. player. 30
The Jets finally bent and traded Jamal Adams in late July, adding draft picks and a capable replacement at safety (Bradley McDougald). But pass rush remains an issue, which has led to (mostly unfounded and since dismissed) rumors attaching them to Jadeveon Clowney.
It's admirable that he would go to bat for an ex-teammate, but the reality is the Jets have no interest in Clowney. Moot point. https://t.co/tsyaD60X45
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) July 31, 2020
The Jets have over $30.3 million in cap space for this year right now, so they can easily absorb Ingram’s cap hit. Even with the prospect of a reduced salary cap in 2021, they could also give Ingram the security of a new multi-year deal.
Head coach Adam Gase has to win more games this year, and Joe Douglas was essentially his hand-picked general manager. A marriage of need and the ability to give him a new contract could bring Ingram to the Jets