NOLA Saints: Mark Ingram trade hopefully first of many before deadline

The NOLA Saints had a need for a second-string running back and they decided to reunite with Mark Ingram to help shore up the position.

Ingram needs no introduction in New Orleans. The former first-round pick out of Alabama had a slow start when he first entered the league but picked up the pace and soon found himself as one of the most popular players on the team.

He rushed for over 1,000 yards in both 2016 and 2017, but after Alvin Kamara proved he was a special player in 2018, the Saints knew they didn’t HAVE to keep Ingram around. Ingram knew that too and signed with the Ravens for the 2019 season, which was a bummer for sure.

While the need for a backup running back was certainly there, the Saints shouldn’t stop with this trade. They’re desperate for any kind of wide receiver help (let’s keep the reunions coming and bring Brandin Cooks in too, eh?) and could also use help at tight end, pass rush, and along the offensive line.

Mark Ingram trade shouldn’t be NOLA Saints’ last of the deadline.

The good news with this trade is that it shows New Orleans is going to buy, buy, buy. We all figured they would, as they’re 4-2 with an incredibly talented defense.

The only reason New Orleans might have been a seller is to cut costs where they can and maybe land a few extra draft picks for 2022 and beyond.

They’ve been a woefully inconsistent team but adding help where help is needed should help this team get back to being the contender we know they can be. Ingram hasn’t been the same player he was from 2016-2019 but he doesn’t have to be. Kamara is the starting running back and that’s not up for discussion.

All Ingram has to do is help out with the backup duties until Tony Jones Jr. comes off the IR. Even when Jones returns to the lineup, Ingram will still be a huge asset on this team.

Welcome back, Ingram!