If the Detroit Lions look to add a veteran edge rusher sometime between now and whenever they see fit, a new option has been offered as a possible fit.
In a broad sense, the Detroit Lions don't really have a great need at edge rusher. But they are relying on a full-season breakthrough from James Houston, and fellow second-year man Josh Paschal to be healthy and take a step himself this season. So it's been easy to tie the Lions to veteran edge rushers who remain available before training camp starts, if only on the idea of adding a healthy proven commodity to the mix.
Romeo Okwara and Charles Harris are question marks on the health and production fronts, and both took a pay cut to stay with the Lions this offseason. It's not out of the question they could still be replaced.
If nothing else, the Lions need more balance to their pass rush this year after Aidan Hutchinson and Houston accounted for 17.5 of their 39 sacks last year. So if an addition makes sense between now and the start of camp, or maybe even into camp, it may very well happen.
New veteran edge rusher offered up as possible fit for Detroit Lions
Dave Holcomb of Heavy.com recently tabbed a previously unmentioned veteran edge rusher as a potential fit for the Lions--Melvin Ingram.
"Potentially entering his 12th NFL season, Ingram has racked up 57 sacks, 81 tackles for loss and 16 forced fumbles in his successful career. From 2017-19, he made three straight Pro Bowls for the Los Angeles Chargers."
Ingram is now pretty well-removed from his best days as a Charger. But he did have six sacks, 10 quarterback hits and 18 pressures while playing 45 percent of the defensive snaps for the Miami Dolphins last season. That qualifies as a resurgence, after he registered just two sacks over 22 games in the previous two seasons.
Ingram would come cheaply on a one-year deal, which would seem to bolster his possible fit in Detroit over Yannick Ngakoue or popular trade target Chase Young.
It feels like a small percentage chance the Lions will add anyone of real note to their roster at this point. But Ingram is a bit interesting, as a recognizable name who may be largely forgotten but could be helpful.