Ingram’s impact was underscored by data that highlighted his pass protection. He posted a 6.4% pressure rate—the 12th-lowest among guards with at least 400 pass-block snaps—helping Houston limit quarterback C.J. Stroud to 23 sacks in 2025, a dramatic improvement from the 52 sacks he absorbed in 2024.
The move to acquire Ingram was met with skepticism due to his limited upside in Minnesota, but the Texans benefited from his development. He emerged as a reliable interior lineman, contributing to a much steadier pocket for Stroud and a generally improved offensive line performance in 2025.
Houston sits roughly $14 million under the salary cap, per Over the Cap, leaving Caserio with some maneuvering to create space for Ingram’s next contract. Team discussions are expected to focus on bringing back the 2025 standout, with insiders noting ongoing but productive talks as the market develops.
projections suggest a feasible path for Ingram’s next deal. Spotrac estimates a three-year, $39 million contract (about $13 million per year), which would place him around the 13th-highest-paid guard in the NFL—reasonable by current market standards given his first-year impact in Houston.
Beyond Ingram, the Texans face other free-agent decisions, including wide receiver Christian Kirk and defensive linemen Sheldon Rankins and Derek Barnett. Still, preserving Ingram’s continuity could be crucial for Stroud’s development and Houston’s line stability in 2026 and beyond, making Ingram a likely priority in a cap-conscious rebuilding plan.
