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When discussing his free-agent prospects at the Super Bowl, Seattle Seahawks cornerback Byron Maxwell said he was going to be “the prettiest girl at the dance.”

The implications were clear. Maxwell was coming off a good season and there weren’t many other quality cornerbacks scheduled to hit the open market. Maxwell knew then that his market was going to be strong and he would have his choice of suitors.

Mark Ingram likely felt the same way a few weeks ago. The New Orleans Saints running back is coming off the strongest season of his professional career and, as recently as a few days ago, it appeared he would be among the most coveted free agents at his position.

But the view can change quickly when the cruel reality of the NFL decides to show its hand.

Over the past week, running backs Reggie Bush, Steven Jackson and DeAngelo Williams have been released, creating more options for teams looking to sign a back. While Ingram might still be the “prettiest girl” at the ball, a strong middle class means some teams still have palatable options beyond Ingram.

Things could get even worse for Ingram if players like Dallas’ DeMarco Murray, Buffalo’s C.J. Spiller, and New England’s Shane Vereen fail to re-up with their current teams and hit the open market. And that’s without considering a class of rookie backs that is being touted as one of the best in years.

If the Saints have interest in re-signing Ingram, as they’ve said they do, the evolving market is good news for them. It also creates more options.

Read more: Evolving running back market could affect Mark Ingram and the Saints | Saints | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana

saintsfan1976

4 years $16M with $10M guaranteed.

jnormand

I'd like to see him get re-signed.

K Major

Re signing Roll tide should be a priority.

A fair deal.

spkb25

I don't think keeping Mark for the right money would be a bad thing, especially because he is a high character guy, but am I the only one not afraid to lose him?

lee909

Not worried about loosing him as loads of good FA and really cheap hood draft picks

Tre Mason(3 round) cap numbers,under 1ml per year for next 4 years.

Andre Williams(4 round) 550/600/700/800k for next 4 years.

billyt81

I'd like to see us give Kenny Hilliard a few carries in the pre-season. He often had very similar stats as ex-LSU RB Jeremy Hill. I know He ran a poor 40 at the combine, but he is the leading rusher in Louisiana high school football history. At the very least he is a great short yardage back, who can block and catch and play FB. Probably won't get drafted, so I predict he is our next Pierre Thomas. Mark Ingram is solid. If anyone on our team deserves some $, it's him.

SmashMouth

Too many other needs at other positions, and sprinkle in a plethora of available cheaper RBs that can probably block Drew's back better when it counts.

RaginCajun83

IMO he will come back at a fair price after him and his agent see that the number they want isn't possible because the league as a whole has decreased the importance of the running back position

lee909

Lyons Yellin of WWL-TV in Louisiana has "heard rumblings" the Eagles have interest in free agent Mark Ingram.
Analysis: Whereas Shady McCoy was an at-times improvisational east-west back, Ingram is a north-south runner whose addition in Philadelphia would constitute a changing of the guard. There were rumblings late in the year that coach Chip Kelly was displeased with McCoy's tendency to freelance in his running game, which also led to Bryce Brown's ouster last offseason. A more assignment-sound runner than McCoy, Ingram's fantasy stock would skyrocket in Philly.