When it comes to fixing what ailed the Green Bay Packers last year there are a lot of different ways the team could go. At least one way is by going after free agent running back Mark Ingram. As a Saint, Ingram has been one of the most productive backs in the NFL alongside an offense that has been one of the most feared. Ingram was also open to teaming up with Adrian Peterson.
The running back hasn't been putting up monster numbers, only because New Orleans doesn't go with one featured back. It's that lack of "featured back" status that might lead Ingram to decide he wants to try another team in free agency.
Bleacher Report is talking about the Packers being one of those teams that could be a very attractive landing spot.
Mark Ingram as featured back
In 2016 and 2017, the first round draft pick from New Orleans did put together 1,000-yard seasons. He's also been one heck of a receiving threat out of the backfield. In 2018, the Saints changed up how they distributed the ball and it was successful in one regard. New Orleans went 13-3 and looked like they were a shoo-in to head to the Super Bowl. Bypassing what happened to keep them out of that game, Ingram's numbers weren't just down in 2018, they were down by quite a bit.
In 2017, he rushed for over 1,200 yards and 12 touchdowns. He also caught 58 passes for a little over 400 yards.
In 2018, he rushed for just 645 yards and six touchdowns. He also only caught 21 passes. Those numbers are the first exhibit as to why Mark Ingram might be looking for greener pastures. The fact that the drop came after his two best seasons indicates it's not a matter of age. That could be good news for the Green Bay Packers.
Packers could get a big prize to improve
Ian Rapoport from Roto World is the one that has heard the most rumblings about Mark Ingram being targeted by the green and gold. It makes sense, considering the Pack is attempting to boost their offense. They are also looking for a consistent rusher.
Aaron Jones started to show what he could do in 2018, but the team would still like a veteran presence to shore up a run attack that hasn't been the strength of Green Bay for a long, long time.
The catch here might be that if Ingram is going to move on from New Orleans, he might not be looking to move into another platoon situation. Ingram also wants respect. By all accounts, Mark Ingram hasn't voiced his desire to leave the Saints, in the first place. That means the Green Bay Packers might have to do a bit of a sales job in order to reel the running back in.