The NFL All-pro team was released today, but Saints running back Mark Ingram was not on it. Voters instead opted for Rams third-year playmaker Todd Gurley in the running back spot and the Steelers’ Le’Veon Bell in the “flex” position. Without the All-pro designation, Ingram will not become a free agent this offseason, points out Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). The veteran back had a clause in his contract that if he were to make the All-pro team, he would be released from his current deal and test the open market in a few months.
Ingram, 28, has seen his career take off in the past two years. The former 2011 first round pick has rushed for over a combined 2,100 yards in 2016-2017. He had a career-high 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns this past season in New Orleans. Despite being older for running back standards, Ingram would have likely gotten a raise over his $4MM base salary for 2018.
By slightly missing out on the designation, he will remain with the team that drafted him for one more season. While unfortunate for the veteran back, this is certainly good news for the Saints considering that Ingram seems to have a lot of tread left on the tires. He should continue to be an extremely formidable backfield partner to breakout rookie running back Alvin Kamara.