Melvin Ingram, Chargers Agree on 4-Year Contract Extension

Joseph Zucker @@JosephZuckerFeatured ColumnistJune 11, 2017

San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram reacts during the second half of an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016, in San Diego. (AP Photo/Denis Poroy)

Denis Poroy/Associated Press

The Los Angeles Chargers announced Sunday they reached a deal with Melvin Ingram on a four-year contract extension.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the contract is worth $66 million over four years with $42 million guaranteed. Fox Sports' Cameron DaSilva and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport put the financial details in perspective:

Cameron DaSilva @camdasilva
Ingram got $66M with $42M guaranteed. T-3rd highest AAV for OLB in NFL, 4th most guaranteed money. That's a large contract.

Ian Rapoport @RapSheet
The target for #Chargers LB Melvin Ingram was the $16.5M per year that Chandler Jones got. Right on the nose. Now he'll be at minicamp.

The Chargers placed the franchise tag on Ingram in February to prevent him from hitting the open market in free agency. The two sides had until July 15 to agree to a multiyear deal.

Following three somewhat underwhelming seasons after the Chargers selected him in the first round of the 2012 NFL draft, Ingram collected 18.5 combined sacks over the past two years.

The arrival of Joey Bosa provided Ingram some support along the defensive line and gave Los Angeles a dynamic pass-rushing duo. The Chargers went from 28th in adjusted sack rate in 2015 to 16th in 2016, per Football Outsiders.

Bosa still has three more guaranteed years remaining on his rookie deal, so Ingram's extension ensures the Chargers will keep the pair together for the foreseeable future.

While there are some questions as to how Ingram will perform with new defensive coordinator Gus Bradley bringing the 4-3 defense to Los Angeles, taking care of Ingram's contract now helps the team avoid a potential headache next offseason.