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(Mike Triplett)

The New Orleans Saints have to decide by May 3 whether they want to extend the contracts of their 2011 first-round draft picks -- defensive end Cameron Jordan and running back Mark Ingram -- through the 2015 season.

Jordan’s extension is expected to cost $6.969 million for 2015 and Ingram’s $5.211 million, according to ESPN NFL Insider John Clayton, who wrote about the looming fifth-year extensions around the league.

This is the first year that these fifth-year extensions will kick in after they were added to the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement in 2011. And as Clayton pointed out, that 2011 draft class happened to be one of the best in years.

Therefore, several teams are expected to retain their players -- which will put a dent in the talent available in next year’s free agency class around the league.

Extending Jordan is a no-brainer for the Saints. He was a first-time Pro Bowler last year in a breakout season with 12.5 sacks. He is arguably the Saints’ top defensive player as he heads into his fourth NFL season. And he doesn’t turn 25 until July.

Ingram is less likely to be extended at that price – even though the Saints remain high on his future and could consider re-signing him to a more affordable extension.

Ingram, 24, finished strong last season with an impressive performance in the playoffs. And his role in the Saints’ backfield could increase slightly this year now that the Saints have traded away veteran Darren Sproles. However, Ingram will still be in a timeshare with fellow running backs Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson.

Too early to draft Brees’ successor: Also in Clayton’s mailbag, he said it’s still too early for the Saints to draft a successor for quarterback Drew Brees. I completely agree -- as I’ve written several times this offseason. I expect Brees to keep playing at a high level for at least three or four more years.

May 3 deadline for Saints to extend Cameron Jordan, Mark Ingram - ESPN

lee909

Can Jordan yes
Ingram no,I think he can be good but no RB on the saints roster will be worth that.

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TheOak

Yes you extend Jordan, at the very least to save money and mitigate risk. Top 5 DEs are going for 11m+/year. "If".. and I am hopeful it was not, but if 2013 was a fluke for Cam (EG Will Smith), you would rather pay him 7m in 2015 than 11m/year for 4 years of lack luster. We still need to see at least 1 more year of Cam producing like he did in 2013 to be able to consider him worth it.

Ingram has a decision to make, if he wants to stay in New Orleans he needs to ask for no extension, if he wants to leave he needs to push for it.

SmashMouth

But will Jordan want to be extended? Methinks he risks it for a larger payday.

Danno

I don't think the player has a choice. Its a team option, not a player option.

TheOak

Its not up to the player. Its a team option.

Ill dig out the CBA verbiage.

TheOak

Page 31 and 32 of the CBA.
http://nfllabor.files.wordpress.com/...-2011-2020.pdf

Crusader

Jordan in a heartbeat. I'd say no thanks to Ingram for that price.

brees84

This offesason showed that RB market is getting under control. Nobody is overpaying for this position. Unless you are looking for AP's or Shady's replacement you can easily find cheap and effective solution (in the draft or via free agency)

joker-saint

I disagree, Ingram is a much better back when be doesn't have to share as many carries with other backs. As long as he gets a decent workload he should have a great season.