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One of the most underrated players heading into 2013 free agency, New Orleans Saints running back Chris Ivory will be looking to land a gig as someone’s No. 1 runner when March 12 rolls around. If the Saints know what’s best for them, though, he shouldn’t get the opportunity.

While Ivory hasn’t had too many opportunities to showcase his talents, the former undrafted back has plenty to offer an NFL offense. With an explosive running style and the ability to hit a home run at any given moment, Ivory is a star waiting to shine. Unfortunately, for the past three seasons, he’s been stuck in the logjam that is the Saints’ running back depth chart.

What the Saints need to do is re-sign Ivory and make him a priority in their offense. Since entering the league in 2010, the 24-year old out of Tiffin University has received only 288 offensive touches (256 carries, 32 catches). Not only did he show that he can make the most of his limited attempts (career 5.1 yards per carry average), but Ivory also has fresh legs and could easily shoulder a full-time load for the next three or four seasons assuming he doesn’t fall to injury.

Ivory has the potential to be better than Mark Ingram, Pierre Thomas and Darren Sproles if given the opportunity. The only question at this point is whether or not the Saints find the courage to clear up the clutter, re-sign Ivory and let the youngster do what he does best. In my opinion, that would be the best case scenario moving forward for New Orleans.

If the Saints don’t re-sign Ivory, it’s likely that a runner-needy team like the Green Bay Packers will throw a significant amount of money at him and make him their feature back. If that does happen, the Saints will be forced to field a patchwork ground game, which obviously isn’t working for them.

The decision is theirs to make; whether or not they make the right choice is still to be seen.

Read more at NFL Free Agency: New Orleans Saints need to re-sign Chris Ivory

saintsfan1976

As much as I bag on Ivory (rightfully so) I am behind this 100%.

Until he fumbles or gets injured.

So, I'm 100% behind this for a few weeks.

saintfan

I expect we will resign him. He's a RFA right?

AllSaints

Ivorys is def. MY favorite runner on this team ! The guy explodes when He gets the ball is sn't afraid of a hit ! I would hate to see him with any other team !

pherein

yep RFA. I was thinking same thing. Not sure we can afford him, but would suck if the failcons picked him up.

ChrisXVI

I love Chris Ivory like everybody else... But seeing as how he's a restricted free-agent, if another team were to offer him a decent contract and give us a fourth or fifth round draft pick for him then of course we should let him go. That is, to the right team... Not the Failclons as Pherein said!

halloween 65

A team like the Ravens or 49'ers or Cincy will jump on him. Gore and Ivory could make for a long day. I hope we resign him and run a power game.

K Major

Falcons have expressed a lot of interest in Stephen Jackson.

ChrisXVI

I've heard of nothing but the Packers being interested in Steven Jackson... That's interesting to think of Atlanta being interested in him. I just don't see them getting rid of one washed up RB for one that's just about on his last legs.

Seer1

No offense and I certainly love to see him put the hammer down on the field, but how much "bounty" did he collect on his own cart offs? He runs too damn crazy to stay healthy. Let's get some draft picks for him from a team we're playing in the second half of the season.