Colts letting Melvin Ingram sign with Steelers was a mistake

It’s been some time since we mentioned NFL free agency … in all probability as a result of it was a depressing interval for Indianapolis Colts followers, who needed to watch their workforce bypass signing a legion of gamers who have been wonderful cultural and systematic suits.

These gamers included left sort out Trent Williams, wideout Will Fuller, defensive ends Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon, and even WRs JuJu Smith-Schuster and Corey Davis.

Regardless of having the mandatory cap area to signal two of these gamers, the Colts and basic supervisor Chris Ballard refused to budge, selecting as an alternative to re-sign TY Hilton and cornerback Xavier Rhodes, whereas addressing their cross dashing want by way of the draft.

Whereas now we have excessive hopes for draft picks Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo in addition to the Colts’ different pass-rushing choices, they actually don’t have a confirmed commodity on the sting. You already know who would fall underneath that class, although? Melvin Ingram.

Nonetheless, per the most recent buzz, Ingram is signing with the Steelers on Monday. Huge mistake for Indy.

The Colts ought to’ve prevented Melvin Ingram from signing with one other AFC contender.

Earlier than this occurred, Ian Rapoport disclosed that Ingram has acquired curiosity from the Chiefs and Dolphins, two different convention heavyweights. With Frank Clark’s future unsure after he was charged with one felony rely of possession of an assault weapon, the two-time defending AFC champs are undoubtedly available in the market for a DE. He was wanted a number of the prime defenses within the league! The place have been the Colts right here?!

They simply let the Steelers add one other skilled cross rusher alongside sacks chief TJ Watt. Superior! Earlier than being restricted to seven video games final yr, Ingram tallied 43 sacks, 60 tackles for loss, 92 QB hits, 20 passes defended and 10 pressured fumbles for the Chargers from 2015 to 2019. Might’ve assist Indy, who misplaced Justin Houston and Denico Autry this offseason!

Whereas Ingram’s damage historical past is alarming, he was signed to a one-year deal. Plus, Ballard already introduced in two gamers with intensive damage histories in Hilton and Eric Fisher over extra intriguing free agent choices. This wasn’t something out of the atypical for the Colts.

Ballard has expressed confidence within the Colts’ younger defensive finish rotation, however that shouldn’t stop him from looking to upgrade the group on the proper worth. Ask your self this, Colts followers, and we imply this all due respect: ought to a workforce that has Tyquan Lewis as its most adorned edge rusher actually be thought of a championship contender? Most likely not.

Nonetheless, throwing Ingram into the combo with Lewis, Kemoko Turay, Paye and Odeyingbo, with DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart dominating alongside the inside may’ve fostered a dialog about whether or not the Colts have a possible title-contending DL. Now? We’ll proceed to attend.