The NFL draft is coming and the New Orleans Saints may look at some running backs, as Mark Ingram's deadline for his fifth year option is coming up and a trade to a team like the Denver Broncos, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers or NY Giants could be possible in the future if the deal is not picked up, as the team already dealt Darren Sproles and could be looking to replace both those players with young prospects.
Ingram comes into the season as one of the main backs for the Saints along with Pierre Thomas and up-and-coming Khiry Robinson, who got some solid attempts last season and if New Orleans opts not to pick up that option, a trade could happen. Last season Ingram was mentioned in a number of trade rumors, including to the Giants, Patriots and Cowboys, as he missed a Week 3 game with an injury after putting up just 17 carries for 31 yards in two games. That was punctuated by the surprise trade of Trent Richardson, which led CBS Sports to speculate that Ingram could be moved.
Obviously that didn't happen and Ingram ended up having a solid season with the Saints, but now it's the next year and with the option coming up and Ingram still getting the "first round bust" tag placed on him, it will be intriguing to see how the Saints handle the situation. Last season Ingram played in 11 games and had only 386 yards rushing, but he averaged 4.9 yards per carry and that was a promising development and he also added 11 catches for 68 yards and he said he has been working on that skill with Pierre Thomas this offseason after Sproles got traded.
ESPN.com reports that Ingram said he is not sure yet about what the Saints will do, as the deadline is May 3 for that fifth year option, but while he is unsure about the 2015 season, he said that he is focused and excited about 2014. The 24 year old back doesn't have much wear and tear on him and in three seasons he has gained over 1,400 yards and it looks like he is finally developing into a solid back in the league. Last season he had the best game of his career just a couple weeks after those rumors, as he rushed for 145 yards and scored a touchdown on 14 carries against the Cowboys.
Sproles getting traded opens up more opportunities for Ingram, but heading into the draft the Saints could look for some future starters and that could mean Ingram is on his way out. He will know by the time the draft comes whether the option will be picked up or not and that could factor into how things play out this season. Earlier in the year Ingram would have been the name that the Saints likely would have traded over Sproles but now that puts pressure on the other backs to make up for his production out of the backfield with Drew Brees.
Last season the Saints ranked 25th in yards per game on the ground and that could be a factor in what they do as well. The Steelers could be interested after being 28th last season, while the Giants struggled hard in the running game and the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots also could be options cine they each could use a bit more depth at the position for next season.
