Mark Ingram expected to hit FA next year
New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram has been an impressive breakout performer this season, but those who watched him last season know that the seeds of this season’s success were sown last year. He had big games against the Dallas Cowboys, Carolina Panthers, and Philadelphia Eagles, but that was just the tip of the iceberg for the former first-round pick, whom the Saints nearly traded last season.
More from New Orleans Saints
- 2023 NFL Season: NFC South shaping up to be an exciting division
- Three 2023 free agents who won’t live up to their contract
- 3 most overhyped teams heading into the 2023 NFL season
- 2023 NFL Predictions: Every Divisional Winner for the 2023 Season
- NFL: 5 Offensive weapons projected to have a successful sophomore season
Ingram missed some time this season with a broken hand, but he hasn’t missed a beat since, as he absolutely trampled the Green Bay Packers woeful run defense to the tune of 172 yards and a TD on 24 carries. The Alabama product is averaging 5.7 yards per carry, 82.8 yards per game, and he has a total of four rushing touchdowns. It’s clear that he’s established himself as a legit feature back in this league, and he won’t have to worry about losing touches to the also-impressive Khiry Robinson and top-notch pass-catching back Pierre Thomas tonight against the rival Panthers (Robinson and Thomas are fully expected to be out).
The NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that we should expect Ingram to hit free agency this upcoming offseason, and he adds that the back could be “auditioning” for a big role elsewhere. I think he definitely deserves it, because he’s been playing at a high level ever since turning it around last year. Ingram is running the ball with much more authority, as he has plenty of power and explosiveness.