The Chargers kept Melvin Ingram off the open market Monday afternoon when they put the franchise tag on the outside linebacker, a move the team announced Monday night.
The tag sets Ingram’s 2017 salary at about $15.3 million, nearly double his $7.75-million hit on the 2016 salary cap.
Previous to get the tag from the Chargers was wide receiver Vincent Jackson in 2011.
The Chargers are still in position to try to work out a multi-year deal.
Because it’s a non-exclusive tag, Ingram can negotiate with other teams; but, there’s a poison pill attached: If he receives a contract offer, the Chargers will have the right to match that offer.