Chargers Sign Ingold
The Chargers signed FB Alec Ingold to a 2-year, $7.5M deal as teams continue making moves in free agency. Free-agent S Nick Cross (24 years old, 2022 3rd-rounder) is drawing interest from multiple teams ahead of the negotiation window. The safety market is heating up with several young talents available.
The signing reunites Alec Ingold with new Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. Ingold played the last four seasons for McDaniel in Miami, serving as a key offensive piece and making the Pro Bowl in 2023. Ingold was a critical blocker in Miami's potent rushing attack. In 2023, he helped pave the way for a Dolphins offense that led the NFL in total yards, with running back Raheem Mostert leading the league with 18 rushing touchdowns. The move signals a significant offensive shift for the Chargers under McDaniel, who is implementing a wide zone-blocking scheme. This system differs from the gap/power-heavy scheme the team ran previously and often utilizes a fullback to create running lanes. Ingold was released by the Dolphins before the final year of a three-year extension he signed in August 2023, a deal reportedly worth up to $17.2 million. That contract briefly made him the highest-paid fullback in the AFC. The interest in safety Nick Cross comes as the market for the position features several proven veterans. Notable safeties also in free agency include former All-Pro Kevin Byard, along with productive starters like Alohi Gilman, Kam Curl, and Jaylinn Hawkins.
