New Orleans Saints: Mark Ingram, Jason Kelce trade necessary
The New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles have reportedly talked about a Mark Ingram-for-Jason Kelce trade, which is a necessary move in the Big Easy.
Early in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints traded up to take running back Alvin Kamara. Looking at the prospect alone, the move made a ton of sense. Right away, Kamara can be a dangerous pass-catching back — the role he largely played for the Tennessee Volunteers in college. However, he then has the tools to develop into an every-down back down the line.
When you broaden the scope, though, the trade up to take Kamara was a bit questionable. Not only did the Saints already have Mark Ingram in-tow, but they also signed veteran Adrian Peterson just prior to the draft. The Kamara pick then gave New Orleans an embarrassment of riches for a team that still had other big needs.
Now it seems as if the Kamara pick might actually pay off big time for them given the circumstances.
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On Monday morning, NFL Network’s Ian Rapaport reported that Saints star center Max Unger sustained a foot injury and would miss at least the start of the season. That’s bad enough in itself, but we also know how finicky foot injuries can be in terms of how they linger. Thus, that leaves a major hole in the middle of New Orleans’ line — one they almost have to fill before the season starts.
There were rumblings as soon as Rapaport’s report came out about the Saints trying to talk to the Philadelphia Eagles about a possible trade. And, according to Kyle Scott of Crossing Broad, the two teams have talked about a possible trade. The reported deal would send Ingram to the running-back-needy Eagles while the Saints would receive veteran center Jason Kelce in return.
For the Saints in their current position, this trade as reported is necessary for them to make. Unger was by far their best offensive lineman a season ago and figured to be that again. Kelce may not be of his caliber, but he’s a quality center with vast experience. What’s more, the Eagles align perfectly as trade partners.
Not only does Philadelphia have serviceable depth at center, but they have a need for a true every-down back to supplant Ryan Mathews. The Saints sending them Ingram would do that, while in turn unclogging their own backfield to create a nice complementary pair in Peterson and Kamara.
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As of right now, this is all reports and rumors regarding a possible trade. However, the Saints are clearly in a mode where they want to make a run this season as Drew Brees continues to age. Rather than rostering three running backs and a question mark at center with Unger out, they’d be better served to part with an asset in the backfield to fill the hole. Doing so could salvage their season if they’re able to get the discussed deal from Philly.