Mark Ingram is picking the right time to have a good season. The New Orleans Saints running back appears to have new-found confidence as he continues to put up big numbers in a contract season. The Saints opted not to pick up Ingram's fifth-year option and now the running back can enter the open market come the offseason? Will the Saints attempt to bring him back or will Ingram be fighting for position in free agency?
Ingram entered 2014 as the undisputed starter after the Saints traded away Darren Sproles and so far that role is fitting well on him. Ingram was putting up solid numbers through the start of the season, getting 60 against the Falcons and 83 against the Browns. A broken hand knocked the running back out several weeks, but he bounced back well with 172 yards against the Green Bay Packers, looking better than ever.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Ingram will hit free agency in the offseason without a doubt. The Saints might be regretting not picking up Ingram's option because the running back is proving a crucial member of the offense as his performance on the ground is setting up the Drew Brees passing attack. Ingram is proving that he has the abilities to be a contributing factor to the Saints offense and the team might not be inclined to let him hit the open market, but sources believe they will have no other choice.
The salary cap is working against the Saints. The team could attempt to place the franchise tag on Ingram, but that is unlikely. More than likely, the team will be moving on with Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson as Ingram fights for a new contract elsewhere. With two backs playing below him who both have years left on their contracts, Ingram might be the odd man out despite what his numbers are this season.
There will be strong interest in Ingram by several teams. The Miami Dolphins will be looking for ground game help as Knowshon Moreno's contract expires. The San Francisco 49ers or Oakland Raiders could be in the same spot once players like Frank Gore, Darren McFadden and Maurice Jones-Drew exit. With most starting running backs signed to one or two-year contracts, Ingram will get plenty of looks.