Predicting the contracts for the 6 biggest LA Chargers free agents
By Jason Reed
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports – LA Chargers
Melvin Ingram: Two years, $10 million ($5 million per season)
I think there is this big misconception among LA Chargers fans that Melvin Ingram is going to get paid this offseason and price his way out of Los Angeles. Before the season it certainly seemed like that could be the case, but not after.
Ingram dealt with various injuries that are naturally going to lower his price on the free-agent market. That, mixed with his age, is probably going to prevent him from getting a big deal of any kind.
That is one of the reasons why I think Ingram could shockingly return to the LA Chargers after most fans are already expecting him to leave. If they do re-sign Ingram, it will be to a two-year, $10 million deal.
Again, that seems low but that is what he is worth after the injuries he suffered and the way he played last season. The potential of being great is still there but teams are less likely to spend on that potential when someone is over 30.
Just look at Everson Griffen last offseason. Griffen signed a one-year, $6 million deal. If that is all Griffen got then Ingram is not going to get much more. I think $5 million is a reasonable salary with a second season that is hardly guaranteed to allow whichever team that signs him to cut him if need be.