November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Chris Ivory (29) stiff arms Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dunta Robinson (23) on a touchdown run during the first quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The trade that many expected to happen has happened. Running back Chris Ivory has been traded to the New York Jets.

Ivory saw limited carries for the past two years behind running backs Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas, and recently Mark Ingram. Despite  rushing for only 217 yards and two touchdowns, Ivory showed the team he has improved his patience carrying the ball and his ball security.

The primary focus for the Saints in bolstering their sagging defense in the draft and the interest in recent weeks by the New York Jets made it an easy decision to complete the trade and receive another fourth-round pick.

The Saints then traded two fourth-round picks for another third-round pick from the Miami Dolphins. They used the third-round pick to acquire Georgia defensive tackle John Jenkins.

The Ivory trade shows that the New Orleans Saints have complete faith in Mark Ingram as their power running back. Ivory was rarely used as a relief back and wasn’t even activated on game day most of the season. Payton & Co. must have realized this and decided the trade was best for the back and the Saints.

The New York Jets acquired a good back that has not yet hit his potential and the New Orleans Saints acquired another defensive tackle to bolster their defensive line. You can’t ask for a more tactical move from Mickey Loomis and the New Orleans Saints staff.

Jan 23, 2013; Mobile AL, USA; New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis with head coach Sean Payton scouting the Senior Bowl north squad practice a day after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell (not pictured) reinstated New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton after his season long suspension. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Sean Payton was announced to have some company in the contract extension department when the New Orleans Saints announced that general manager signed a 5-year contract extension as well. (more…)

November 11, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Hornets general manager Mickey Loomis prior to kickoff of a game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

In an interview on WWL Sports Thursday night, New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis put all doubts aside on what caused the team to fall to a dismal 7-9 record for the 2012 season. (more…)