The marriage between the Pittsburgh Steelers and free-agent addition Melvin Ingram has not gone according to plan thus far. The 32-year-old Ingram took his time in free agency, ultimately landing with the Steelers in late July. Things initially got off to an impressive start. Ingram played a sizable role in the Steelers' magnificent Week 1 victory over the Buffalo Bills, but it's all gone downhill since. Ingram has been demoted to a reserve role in recent appearances, taking a back seat to sophomore pass rusher Alex Highsmith.

Reports out of Pittsburgh now indicate that Ingram has had enough and has officially requested a trade, per Ian Rapoport and Aditi Kinkhabwala. The Kansas City Chiefs allegedly made an offer for the three-time Pro Bowler, but the report indicates that the Steelers would prefer to trade him to a team outside the AFC.

With that criteria in mind, here are three NFC teams that should look to acquire Ingram before the NFL trade deadline.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

Off to a perfect start, Ingram would serve as an excellent acquisition for the NFL’s lone undefeated team. It’s easy to envision Ingram immediately stepping into a prominent role as a quarterback hunter for the Cardinals' exciting defensive front on obvious passing downs. General manager Steve Keim may be on the lookout for a capable front-seven reinforcement in the wake of J.J. Watt’s season-ending injury, and Ingram would slot in nicely.

The Cardinals currently own one of the league's stingiest defensive units, allowing opponents to gain just 316.7 yards per contest while scoring a league-low 16.3 points per game. The Cardinals have lofty goals in 2021 and will be careful to ensure that Watt's absence doesn't derail their plans. Bringing in Ingram would help them offset the loss of Watt.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Largely viewed as contenders on an annual basis, the Packers are once again playing top-notch football in 2021. General manager Brian Gutekunst has already shown a willingness to make an in-season addition following the signing of free-agent linebacker Jaylon Smith shortly after his release from the Dallas Cowboys.

Adding Ingram to the fold would help further elevate a defensive front that's totaled an impressive 18 sacks through six contests. Star pass rusher Za'Darius Smith remains on injured reserve while dealing with a back injury that is awfully concerning. Smith's status for the remainder of the 2021 campaign remains a mystery. If the Packers hope to get past the likes of Tom Brady and Kyler Murray in the playoffs, they're going to have to apply constant pressure on the quarterback. Ingram would make them better in that crucial area.

DALLAS COWBOYS

Winners of an astounding five straight contests, the Cowboys have the appearance of an elite team in the NFL. Their defense has taken a sizable step forward under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, and their offense is scoring a league-best 34.2 points per contest. Their impressive form on both sides of the ball has Mike McCarthy's Cowboys looking like prime Super Bowl contenders.

Passionate owner Jerry Jones will continue to furiously attempt to bring America's Team their first title since 1996 and should leave no stone unturned in his ruthless pursuit for glory. Dallas should be exploring all options as the trade deadline continues to make its approach. Ingram would slot in nicely into a Cowboys defense that has received encouraging performances from several of their front seven defenders.