The New Orleans SaintsdumpedDarren Sproles and reportedly shoppedPierre Thomas this offseason, but that doesn't mean the future finally is in Mark Ingram's hands.
Fifth-year option tracker
**Cam Newton** had his option picked up by the Panthers. Find out which other 2011 first-round picks are locked up through 2015. **READ**
The Saintsdo not intend to exercise the fifth-year option on Ingram's rookie contract, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports.
Ingram's option would net him $5 million in 2015. It's hardly a surprise that the Saints would pass.
Oft-injured since being drafted at No. 28 overall three years ago, Ingram never has rushed for more than 602 yards in a season and has shown a troubling lack of playmaking ability.
The Saints figure to go with a three-headed backfield of Ingram, Thomas and Khiry Robinson. Without an opportunity for a heavy workload, Ingram will have a hard time rising above the current punter-level scale for free-agent running backs next offseason.
Saturday is the deadline for 2015 options on first-round picks from the 2011 NFL Draft.
The latest "Around The League Podcast" breaks out the crystal ball and predicts the potential surprises that could shake up the NFL Draft.
