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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

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Everyone is entitled to be stupid, but some abuse the privilege.

All little common sense goes a long way.