With the New Orleans Saints having signed one of the best running backs in NFL history in Adrian Peterson, there have been some rumblings that Mark Ingram could be on the trading block.
Not so, say multiple reporters.
After Saints center Max Unger suffered a foot injury last week that could force him to miss the start of the season, there was speculation that Ingram could become expendable if New Orleans gets desperate for offensive line help. The most popular rumor is that the Philadelphia Eagles, who need a power running back, could part ways with veteran center Jason Kelce.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter told 97.5 The Fanatic that there is “absolutely nothing” to the reports of a potential Ingram-for-Kelce swap.
“There is absolutely nothing to that. There was absolutely never anything to that,” Schefter said, as transcribed by Matt Lombardo of NJ.com. “I spoke to people in both organizations, and they both said the same thing; ‘We’ve never spoken.’ I don’t know where that started. Maybe that would start talks up now, but I doubt it based on those reactions from both organizations. That was never in the works. I don’t want to say it would never happen, because stranger things have happened, but I’m just telling you there is nothing to that as of right now.”
And if Schefter’s word isn’t good enough for you, Jimmy Kempski of Philly Voice said in a Q&A with fans that he does not expect the Eagles to trade for Ingram.
Peterson is a huge name with huge ability, but he’s far from a sure thing. Both he and Ingram have had some injury issues in recent years, so it would be wise for the Saints to use them as compliments to one another. Plus, Unger still has a shot to be ready for the start of the regular season.
Despite the massive impact rival executives believe Peterson could make in New Orleans, Ingram likely isn’t going anywhere.
