Two-time Pro Bowl running back Mark Ingram spent the first eight years of his NFL career with the New Orleans Saints, and it seemed like he was ready to extend his stay with the organization following the end of 2018. Saints felt the same way about Ingram, with head coach Sean Payton publicly saying the team wishes to keep the 29-year-old in early March.
Ingram, however, changed his mind when he hit free agency, and decided to agree to a three-year, $15 million contract with the Ravens. This naturally didn’t sit well with Payton, who recently said that this outcome was “frustrating” for him.
“It happened pretty quickly,” – explained Payton during Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. “Look, I’m excited for Mark’s opportunity. He’s been a tremendous, tremendous player for us and leader for us.”
“It was frustrating because I felt there was little dialogue,” – he added. “At least usually, I’m able to visit with the player, and I wasn’t able to, so the ends and outs specifically to how that unfolded still to me are a little bit cloudy. Tried texting him, tried calling him, direct message. He texted me back, and then the next day we weren’t able to speak.”
While New Orleans signed Latavius Murray to pair up with their star RB Alvin Kamara, it is clear to see why Payton might be a bit upset. Mark Ingram steadily improved his game since being drafted 28th overall in 2011 and delivered some big numbers in recent three years. He also complemented Kamara’s game in an ideal way with the pair becoming o the first teammate backfield duo in league’s history to have 1,500+ scrimmage yards each in a single season.
Kamara’s NFL career stats include 6,007 rushing yards and 50 rushing touchdowns alongside 228 receptions for 1,598 yards and five touchdowns.
