Chargers place franchise tag on Melvin Ingram

The Los Angeles Chargers placed the franchise tag on linebacker Melvin Ingram, the team announced Monday.

Ingram and the Chargers now face a July 15 deadline to reach a long-term deal or else he will play under the one-year tender for the 2017 season.

The 27-year-old amassed 60 tackles, eight sacks, four forced fumbles, and five pass deflections, playing all 16 games for the Chargers.

Ingram was selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and evolved into an integral component of the Chargers' defense. Along with Joey Bosa and Casey Hayward, Ingram is once again expected to be one of the leaders of the unit during head coach Anthony Lynn's first year with the franchise.