The Houston Texans did not want to trade Mark Ingram, to anyone. However, when Ingram's former team, the New Orleans Saints, expressed their interest in bringing back the veteran RB, Houston was willing to acquiesce.
According to Ari Meirov of Pro Football Focus, the Texans let Ingram know the Saints were interested and gave Ingram the choice to stay or go. Evidently, Ingram opted for the opportunity to return home and compete for a playoff spot.
On Wednesday, the two teams agreed to a deal that includes a swap of late-round picks, with Houston getting a seventh-round selection in 2024, too. Earlier in the season, the Saints acquired cornerback Bradley Roby from the Texans.
Ingram was amongst the most respected voices in the Texans locker room and an important presence on the rebuilding squad.
The move reunites Ingram in the Saints' backfield with Pro Bowler Alvin Kamara. The two formed one of the most potent rushing duos in NFL history. In 2017, the “Boom and Zoom” backfield became the first pair of backs to both record 1,500+ scrimmage yards in the same season.
Ingram was immensely popular during his tenure in New Orleans — both amongst the fan base and within the Saints' organization. Kamara was pleased about the trade.
Aye @markingramII ….. we back mudaaapuckaaaaaa 😭😭😂😭😭
— Alvin Kamara (@A_kamara6) October 27, 2021
The 31-year old was a first-round pick by the Saints in 2011 and spent his first eight seasons with the franchise. He rushed for 6,007 rushing yards and scored 55 touchdowns in the Big Easy. He trails Deuce McAllister by 89 rushing yards for the franchise record.
New Orleans was in need of depth at halfback after releasing Latavius Murray in September and losing backup Tony Jones Jr. to three to four weeks with an ankle injury.
The Texans have four other running backs on their roster: David Johnson, Phillip Lindsay, Rex Burkhead, and Scottie Phillips.
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