Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports Chargers DE Melvin Ingram, who has yet to sign his franchise tender, could end up skipping mandatory minicamp and possibly extend a hold out in training camp this summer.
As of now, no firm decision has been made by Ingram, but this is certainly a situation to watch in the coming months.
According to Rapoport, the Chargers view Ingram as a “potential face of the defense” but there is at least some question regarding how he’ll fit in Gus Bradley’s defensive scheme. Even so, Rapoport mentions Chandler Jones‘ five-year, $82.5 million contract as a possible template for a deal between the Chargers and Ingram.
The franchise tag will run the Chargers $15.701 million fully guaranteed for the 2017 season, but won’t prevent them from negotiating a long-term contract before the July 15 deadline to discuss extensions with franchise players.
Ingram, 28, was taken No. 18 overall during the 2012 NFL draft. He played out his four-year, $8.39 million rookie contract that included 7.61 million guaranteed before the Chargers picked up his fifth-year option that paid him $7,751,000 for the 2017 season.
In 2016, Ingram appeared in all 16 games for the Chargers and recorded 60 tackles, eight sacks, five forced fumbles and five pass defenses. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 6 edge rusher out of 109 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding the Chargers and Ingram as the news is available.
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