Steelers sign three-time Pro Bowler Ingram, loading up defense prior to camp

NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to add pieces for what the franchise hopes is a bounce-back 2021 season, bringing in outside linebacker Melvin Ingram and offensive tackle Chaz Green on Tuesday, both signing one-year contracts.

Ingram is 32-years old, and a former Charger, having made three Pro Bowls in his time with the franchise, both in San Diego and Los Angeles.  He had 49 sacks in his thus-far nine-year career, including 10 1/2 in both 2015 and 2017.  A knee injury kept him to just seven sackless games in 2020.

The Steelers are hopeful that Ingram helps lessen the blow of losing Bud Dupree, who left the Steel City for Tennessee in the spring.  The Chiefs had been among the teams “kicking the tires” with Ingram in consideration of a potential deal.

Green is less accomplished than Ingram, having played in a total of 37 games over five seasons, with last season with the Indianapolis Colts.  

Training camp for the defending AFC North champion Steelers opens Thursday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh.