Adam Schefter explains why Texans player Brandin Cooks is upset at the decision of the organization to trade Mark Ingram for the Saints. (0:49).
METAIRIE (La. Sources confirmed that the New Orleans Saints acquired Mark Ingram in a deal with the Houston Texans to reunite their dynamic running back duo Alvin Kamara (New Orleans Saints)
According to a source, the deal also includes a swap for late-round picks. The trade was first reported by the NFL Network. It is the second between the Saints (Texans) and the Texans in two months, following New Orleans' acquisition of veteran cornerback Bradley Roby in Week 1.
After releasing veteran Latavius Murphy in September, and losing backup Tony Jones Jr. due to injury, the Saints needed running back depth. They turned to one the most productive and popular backs in franchise history.
31-year-old Ingram spent his first eight season in New Orleans after he was drafted in the first round of 2011. He rushed for 6,007 yards, received 1,598 yards and scored 55 touchdowns. Ingram was released by the Saints in 2019 as a free agent.
Ingram is only 89 yards behind Deuce MacAllister's New Orleans franchise record.
Ingram and Kamara were among the greatest running back duos of NFL history at their peak. They were nicknamed "Boom and Zoom" and became the first duo to surpass 1,500 yards of scrimmage in the same season.
Murray was a great replacement for Ingram, who had success with Baltimore Ravens. The Saints were without both of their veterans this year, and they rely more on Kamara to be a one-man show.
Kamara is poised to surpass his career record for most carries by more than 100. He also reached 30 touches in one game Monday night in Seattle's 13-10 victory. On Wednesday, Kamara was named NFC's Offensive player of the week.
Kamara responded to the trade by tweeting "Aye @markingramII we back."
Ingram, who ran for 294 yards and a touchdown in 92 carries this season for the Texans, was the team's lead back. Football Outsiders' DVOA ranks them last in the NFL.
The Texans now have four runningbacks: Rex Burkhead, Phillip Lindsay, and Rex Burkhead, and Scottie Phillips, a second-year professional. Phillips was inactive for the entire season except one, but he has only played on special teams.
Whitney Mercilus, a veteran defensive end, was traded to the Green Bay Packers by the Texans earlier in the month. He had been released by the Texans. Mercilus was a 2012 first-round selection and one of the longest-tenured Texans players.
David Culley, Houston coach, has spoken out about Ingram's signing in Houston. He spoke of the importance of Ingram as a running back because of his leadership role within the locker room.
Wide receiver Brandin Cooks seemed to react to Wednesday's trade on Twitter. He wrote, "This is bulls ---.." It's a joke.
This report was contributed by Sarah Barshop, ESPN.
