While interest surrounding Dwight Freeney has certainly picked up in the past week, things might be getting a bit more interesting as key players get injured during voluntary workouts. If a veteran cannot sign with a team during the offseason, a player injury is normally there best shot at getting on the field. The San Diego Chargers are in that exact predicament after linebacker Melvin Ingram went down with a torn ACL.
Ingram was a first-round draft pick to the Chargers last season. On the second day of team practices, he ended his season early with the knee injury. Ingram was a standout on the Chargers defense last season. He led the team with 29 quarterback hurries. While he only recorded one sack and one forced fumble, he played all 16 games for the team. Head coach Mike McCoy confirmed the injury after Tuesday's practice.
"We talk about it all the time as a staff: The best coverage is good pass rush. When you have someone like that coming off the edge, his ability to get to the passer, that's key for our system and our success," McCoy said.
Ingram's injury leaves the team depleted at the linebacker position. They still have veterans in Jarret Johnson and Larry English, but they will miss Ingram's blitzing abilities. This is where Freeney steps in.
Freeney is confirmed to be visiting the Chargers on Wednesday in the wake of the injury. He might not be a perfect fit for the Chargers' 3-4 defense, but he is at least familiar with it having played in that system last year with the Colts. The 33-year old veteran had five sacks last season, but had seven straight double-digit sack seasons in his career. He also had 34 quarterback hurries which would keep him on pace with Ingram.
The Chargers could sign him to a one-year deal while they wait for Ingram to get healthy. San Diego will be in desperate need of filling the void. While English was a former first-round pick, he had a disappointing 2012. Freeney will be experience and could start right away for the team.
