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The Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin spoke to the media Tuesday prior to their Week 16 game against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was asked his thoughts on the Steelers trading away Pro Bowl linebacker Melvin Ingram III to Kansas City. Tomlin gave a bold take on the situation, according to ESPN NFL Nation reported Brooke Pryor.
Mike Tomlin on the Melvin Ingram trade: "Melvin no longer wanted to be here. For us, we prefer volunteers as opposed to hostages. That formula allows us to come together in ways you can’t measure. .. that’s more a function of us and the things that we value and less about KC."
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 21, 2021
“Melvin no longer wanted to be here. For us, we prefer volunteers as opposed to hostages. That formula allows us to come together in ways you can’t measure. .. that’s more a function of us and the things that we value and less about KC.”
A lot was made out of the move when the Steelers opted to trade the former Pro Bowler to an AFC rival. The Chiefs had reached two consecutive Super Bowls and many around the league were surprised that Pittsburgh was willing to deal Ingram III there.
Reports later came out that Melvin Ingram III was unhappy with his playing time and asked out of the organization.
Ingram III is now on his third team in less than two seasons. He played the first nine seasons of his career with the Chargers. In 2015 and 2017, he recorded 10.5 sacks each season, earning Pro Bowl honors. However, he saw his playing time cut dramatically the last couple of seasons with Los Angeles.
He signed with the Steelers ahead of the 2021 season, but that did not last long. He was then traded to the Chiefs in early November. Ingram hasn't put up big stats for Kansas City, but his presence has allowed Chris Jones to play inside at defense tackle more frequently while also improving the team's overall rotations along the defensive line.
The Steelers play at Kansas City in a massive game for Pittsburgh. They are a half game back of the final wild card spots, as well as the AFC North division lead.
