Experts grade the Texans re-signing of OL Ed Ingram

[ASFN Admin]

Ed Ingram isn't leaving the Houston Texans after all.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Texans and Ingram agreed to terms on a three-year, $37.5 million deal, keeping him in Houston through 2028. At just over $12.5 million in annual salary, general manager Nick Caserio continues to live up to his word of rebuilding the offensive line with proven experience at a hearty rate, rather than spending cheaply.

After struggling for three seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, Ingram found his footing under Cole Popovich in Houston's trenches. While far from a finished product, the former LSU star at least looked much closer to the player worthy of a Day 2 selection with a starting-caliber update.

In 16 games, Ingram served as the Texans' best run blocker, showing the ability to open holes for a lackluster run game. And while he struggled in pass-pro at times, he wasn't as consistently underwhelming as during his time in Minnesota.

It's a smart move for the franchise to bring back a lineman who fits the system, but was it an overpay for someone who might have been a one-hit wonder? Here's what the experts had to say on the signing of Ingram.

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Texans Wire's Cole Thompson - B+​

From Thompson: "If you're going to pay $13 million for an interior offensive lineman, at least pay for one you can trust will fit the offensive personnel. That's Ingram, who arguably was the league's most improved lineman once working with Cole Popovich and the only constant run blocker who created any lanes for Woody Marks and Nick Chubb.

Is there a little buyer-beware mentality for a player who was shipped off for a Day 3 pick within a year? Of course, but the Texans could have that with any offensive linemen at this point. Ingram could be a one-year wonder or he could just be getting started as an ideal fit for Nick Caley's power scheme offense that will rely on a solid rushing attack to serve as the backbone of the squad.

No, Ingram isn't Tyler Linerbaum, but he was a great find last season. Because of that, Nick Caserio rewarded him for exceeding expecations. He's hoping he can do it again in 2026.

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Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame - B​

From Verderame: "Houston has already shaken up its offensive line this month with the trade of Tytus Howard to the Browns, but it’s keeping a key piece inside. The Texans were busy on Monday morning, signing guard Ed Ingram to a three-year deal worth $37.5 million.

Ingram, 27, was a stalwart last season after coming over from the Vikings. He played in 14 games and while he’s an excellent run blocker, he’s middling in pass protection. Ingram allowed five sacks and 30 pressures per Pro Football Focus, something which has been a problem dating back to his years in Minnesota."

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Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox - B+​

From Knox: "The Texans acquired Ingram in a trade from the Minnesota Vikings last offseason. The 27-year-old started 14 games at right guard to provide Houston with at least a reliable piece among an offensive line somewhat in flux.

At $12.5 million, Ingram sits just outside of the league's top-20 guards in average annual salary. That's a good deal for Houston, which remains unsettled at the other guard spot.

The Texans have retained the right side of their offensive line by re-signing Ingram and Trent Brown. They can now concentrate on addressing the spot next to second-year left tackle Aireontae Ersery."

This article originally appeared on Texans Wire: Experts grade the Texans re-signing of OL Ed Ingram

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