Melvin Ingram No.4 on PFF’s free agent list

Edge rushers come at a premium in today’s NFL. Chargers outside linebacker Melvin Ingram is a few weeks away from reaping the benefits.

Pro Football Focus’ Sam Monson has Ingram No. 4 overall on his Top 25 NFL Free Agents of 2017 list. After three injury-riddled seasons, the 27-year-old has started every game since 2015, racking up 18.5 sacks.

Here’s Monson:

Melvin Ingram has developed into the first-round pass-rushing force the Chargers thought he could become, just in time for him to turn the performance into a big-money contract from somebody—whether that’s with the Chargers or on the open market. Ingram finished the year ranked as the sixth-best edge defender in terms of PFF overall grade (88.1)—just behind teammate Joey Bosa, in fifth—recording 72 total QB pressures over the season. He also showed the ability to play in coverage more than most edge rushers, batting away two passes and allowing just 6.8 yards per reception.

The Chargers have just under $22 million in cap space in 2017, per Spotrac. Only five teams have fewer dollars to spend. Couple that with a new defensive coordinator and scheme, and it’s reasonable to wonder if Ingram has played his last game with the Bolts.