Sources: Saints won’t pick up Ingram’s 2015 option

Mark Ingram finished strong in 2013, but not enough to earn a $5 million commitment for 2015. (USATSI)

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Sources tell CBSSports.com the New Orleans Saints do not intend to exercise the fifth-year option on running back Mark Ingram for the 2015 season.

Ingram, who was drafted in the first round in 2011, was worthy of some consideration with a very strong late push last season after being little used for much of his pro career previously.

Ingram was due to make $5 million in 2015 on the option, a high figure for a running back in this era, but a figure he might surpass in 2015 earnings on the open market should he perform well in 2014.

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Jaguars RB Toby Gerhart says he's ready to 'be a dominant guy'



The Jaguars didn't give running back Toby Gerhart a three-year, $10.5 million contract to continue being a backup. Head coach Gus Bradley said he thinks Gerhart can be a bell-cow runner, and after spending four years behind the game's premier workhorse, Gerhart said he is ready to carry the burden."I had the skill set to be a [NFL] starter from the onset," Gerhart said to the Florida Times-Union. "... I've gotten comfortable with the speed of the game, but don't have the wear and tear on my body of someone carrying it 250 times a year."I think I'm in a unique situation. Even though it's my fifth year in the league, I can come in and be a dominant guy. I'm ready for my shot now."The Times-Union's Gene Frenette adds that the Jaguars are "banking on" Gerhart being productive with a possible workload of 240-300 carries. Gerhart's career-high in carries is 109, set back in 2011.



I have not been a supporter of the Gerhart signing -- I just don't think he's that good of a running back -- but if the Jaguars insist of giving him 250+ touches, fantasy owners have to take serious note. That number makes him an easy top-20 running back. Gerhart is a proficient receiver, too, so you have to imagine that the Jags will try to utilize that part of Gerhart's game often. Even if he doesn't put up an impressive yards-per-carry average, Gerhart is probably going to put up good totals just due to sheer bulk.