Mark Ingram has had his peaks and valleys in his first four seasons as a pro. The Heisman Trophy winner from Alabama was touted as the second coming of Deuce McAllister to Saints fans. Certainly not easy cleats to fill both on and off the field.

Yesterday, a rumor began to swirl and make it’s way around social media that the Dallas Cowboys were interested in bringing Ingram in should their talks with DeMarco Murray fail. It isn’t hard to believe considering the Cowboys coaching staff certainly got a really good look at Ingram during this year’s Pro Bowl.

Bryan Broaddus, a former NFL scout and now a writer for the Cowboys official team site, was one of the first to indicate Jerry Jones‘ team would have a good reason to bring Ingram in. “Is Ingram a real option? I think he is. We will see.”

Is Ingram a real option? I think he is. We will see. – Barry Broaddus

With teams (supposedly) already showing interest in what many consider the 2nd best back in this year’s free agency class, is it in the Saints best interest to make re-signing Ingram their top priority once they get their cap situation settled?

The 5’9, 215 pound powerback has seen a profound increase in production since the Saints switched to a zone blocking scheme and Sean Payton made it known the team was going to be more dedicated to the run game with his return from a year long hiatus. While the team has yet to run as much as it has in year’s past the Saints did see their rushing numbers increase in every area.

In our yearly grading of the team’s offense we gave Ingram an “A” for his performance during the 2014 campaign. There are a lot of positives teams see in Ingram’s play. He is 25 years old and has less than 600 carries in his four year career. He still has a lot of tread left on the tires.

Oct 19, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback(9) hands off to running back(22) during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

The 1,109 yards from scrimmage (964 rushing, 145 receiving) was a career high number by a large margin. His 9 rushing touchdowns are the most by a Saints back since Pierre Thomas had the same number in 2008.

There have been some concerns in the young back’s career. He has had multiple injuries even with limited touches. This could make potential buyers wary, but we should give Ingram credit for how he has faced these injuries.

It could be argued that the Saints are more prone to sitting a player because they feel they have quality depth at some positions.

We saw that this year with both Mark Ingram and Brandin Cooks‘ injuries. Ingram broke his hand against the Browns, but stayed in the game and recorded several receptions and make many tough runs while playing hurt.

Ingram was later benched until the hand was considered 100% as players like Khiry Robinson, Travaris Cadet and Pierre Thomas carried the load in his absence. Cooks was placed on injured reserve after his injury even though his time table to return would have placed him with a couple of game remaining during the season.

This brings up what might be Ingram’s greatest quality. Mark Ingram has one of the strongest characters and positive dispositions of any player in the NFL, let alone on the Saints roster.

Yes, football players are paid to put up stats and do it in the most efficient way possible. Still, something as important as a man’s character cannot be overlooked. For years Ingram was ridiculed by fans and analysts alike as he failed to produce up to the level of the expectations placed upon him.

Whether you support Ingram by saying he wasn’t given the opportunity to produce or the proper system to produce in, or if you believe he is a draft bust for a 1st rounder, you must respect him for how he has handled himself. Ingram is the perfect example of a team player. After all of the harsh words and negative criticism he has received, he still wants to remain in New Orleans to win a championship.

In an article posted by Katherine Terrell of the Times-Picayune, Ingram was asked what he wanted to happen concerning his future with the team this offseason. “I want to be a Saint. I was drafted there. I’m always appreciative and grateful for that,” he said. He then added, “Of course there’s always that ‘what if you go somewhere and you could be the main guy and do everything’, but I love the Saints and want to be a Saint,”

I love the Saints and want to be a Saint – Mark Ingram

He’s never lashed out at fans via social media, didn’t become a locker-room disturbance and stayed committed to the black and gold and played his heart out every time he was handed the football. After a season where a loss of veteran leadership in players like Malcolm Jenkins and Roman Harper hindered the team’s ability to perform, the Saints cannot afford to lose a player who embodies everything you desire from a teammate.

The Saints should consider making the re-signing of Ingram a top priority. After the team switched to a zone blocking scheme with the departure of Aaron Kromer the Saints finally provided Ingram with a familiar system to run the ball. Since that time, he has averaged 4.5 YPC, rushed for 1,496 yards and 11 TDs (including playoffs).

Much has been made about the Saints cap situation, but as Mike Triplett at ESPN.com, and we here at the Believer have shown, the Saints should have an easier time finding money to spend in free agency than in year’s past. Mark Ingram will most likely receive some offer from the team, but for him to re-sign it will have to be mutually beneficial. The Saints can’t afford to pay any running back $5 million a year.

Whether or not he returns in 2015 is unclear, but it is becoming apparent that he is garnering attention from teams around the NFL. The Saints should recognize this and attempt to sign him while they still can. Thanks for reading everyone. Who Dat and God Bless.