The New Orleans Saints have acquired veteran running back Mark Ingram via trade with the Houston Texans, according to multiple reports. The move reunites Ingram with the franchise with whom he spent the first eight years of his pro career.
The terms of the trade remain unknown, but the deal reportedly includes a swap of late-round draft picks.
Ingram started all seven games of the 2021 NFL season for Houston and lead the team with 294 rushing yards and a touchdown. The only obvious reason why the Texans would opt to deal him is that they wanted to do him a favor and send him someplace where he can play competitive football.
The Saints, on the other hand, badly needed a second running back. The team previously released veteran Latavius Murray due to financial reasons, while second-year back Tony Jones Jr. is currently on the injured reserve. This caused a heavy workload for the Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara, which was something New Orleans knew they couldn’t let continue for too long.
During his first stint with the Saints, Mark Ingram rushed for 6,007 yards and 50 touchdowns while adding 228 catches for 1,598 receiving yards and five scores. He also made two Pro Bowls in New Orleans before leaving the franchise to sign with the Baltimore Ravens.
