Why OLB Melvin Ingram Is a Must Have for the 49ers in NFL Free Agency

One of the major reasons for the San Francisco 49ers failures as a defense last year was their lack of a pass rush. Free agent Melvin Ingram will be an immediate improvement to the 49ers’ current group of linebackers.

With only 33 sacks this past season, it became clear that the San Francisco 49ers will need to upgrade their pass rush this offseason.

Defensive end DeForest Buckner and linebacker Ahmad Brooks led the team with six sacks apiece. But with Brooks aging and becoming a potential cap casualty, the 49ers will need to look in the free-agent market for their marquee outside linebacker.

Here’s where 27-year-old linebacker Melvin Ingram comes into the picture.

Heading into his sixth season, Ingram would instantly become the 49ers’ best defender. He will also be a  playmaker for a defense that desperately lacks star players.

Not surprisingly, our very own Peter Panacy would like to see Ingram sport the red and gold this upcoming season:

Ingram amassed 60 tackles, eight sacks and four forced fumbles during this contract year. He graded out as the sixth best EDGE defender in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus’ Bryson Vesnaver.

Heading into the prime years of his career, Ingram had a total of 39 quarterback pressures. This ranked fifth among all qualified linebackers. He was also superior in pass coverage, ranking third among all outside linebackers.

Pass-Rushing need for the 49ers

San Francisco did not generate enough pressure on opposing quarterbacks and was rated the 31st defensive front seven by Pro Football Focus’ Mike Renner. 

Pointed out by Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee, the 49ers under former head coach Chip Kelly last season set numerous franchise records:

The 49ers were hoping linebacker Aaron Lynch would explode onto the scene this past season. Unfortunately, he was suspended for the first four games for abusing the league’s substance-abuse policy.

Afterwards, Lynch could not get back on track and produce on the field similar to his first two seasons in the NFL.

Lynch only had 1.5 sacks and 13 tackles during 2016, while only playing in seven games.

Younger players that were called on to fill in during Lynch’s absence could not fill his void, as Eli Harold and Tank Carradine only had three sacks combined all season.

On the other hand, Brooks is approaching age 32 and may not be produce on the same level going forward.

According to OverTheCap.com, the aging outside linebacker will be due a base salary of $4.45 million in 2017. But the 49ers could save $5.3 million if they choose to release him before June 1.

The San Francisco 49ers will have to look for another pocket-wrecker, as their options on the roster are not the answer to the problems that plagued the defense throughout last season.

San Francisco 49ers

How Melvin Ingram fits in — financially, too

If reports indicating Robert Saleh taking over as defensive coordinator are true, the 49ers will most likely transition to a 4-3 base defense.

With experience under Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll and former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley, Saleh will likely run a similar defense to Carroll’s in Seattle.

One key component that’s missing in this defense is the LEO linebacker. Coined by Pete Carroll, this player is the weak-side EDGE defender.The 49ers currently do not have anyone on their roster who could fill this role.

Mr. Ingram, step up to the stage. Ingram is a three-down linebacker, who’s able to go after the quarterback or even drop back into coverage on a running back or tight end.

His explosive athleticism and size will help him seamlessly transition into the 49ers defense as their LEO linebacker.

Also, the Chargers asked Ingram to drop into coverage nearly 23 percent of the time. His versatility at the EDGE position is unmatched in this free-agent class.

The budding star is also a leader in the locker room, according to ex-Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator, John Pagano.

"He’s truly matured and become a leader in that linebacker room. We need him to be always at a high level. He’s somebody who can go out and change a game, can go out and set the edge, do the things we need him to do, and when it becomes third down, go affect the quarterback. He’s changed since he first got here. It’s really cool to see. It’s almost like your child growing up in front of you. It’s awesome."

The 49ers will head into this offseason with nearly $79 million in cap space, excluding the salary cap increase that would result from releasing Ahmad Brooks.

The new front office, led by John Lynch, could easily be able to sign Ingram to the contract that he’s looking for.

Ingram’s numbers this past season closely resembles that of Olivier Vernon’s. This could mean that a potential contract could be around five years at $85 million. The guaranteed money could be a tipping factor, as Vernon has $50 million in guarantees.

More from SF 49ers Free Agency

• Former 49ers kicker Robbie Gould still wants to play for Bears
• 49ers bolster wide receiver room by grabbing Chris Conley
• 49ers news: Kerry Hyder is back to bolster defensive line depth
• Low-risk free agents 49ers can still target before NFL Draft
• 49ers aren’t talking to this free agent (but they should)

Will the 49ers’ land him?

According to Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson, the Chargers do not have a lot of cap space this offseason. They also have a rookie superstar in Joey Bosa and may find a cheaper replacement for Ingram.

The Chargers currently have other pressing needs and may let Ingram walk in free agency.

John Lynch and the new Front Office will definitely have to present Ingram with an enticing offer in order to convince him to come to Santa Clara.

Next: NFL Free Agency: 10 Big-Name Players the 49ers Should Target

He is this year’s “must have” free agent that — if added — will be a wrecking ball for opposing offensive lines.