The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... GM Mickey Loomis said the decision to decline Ingram's fifth-year option was a matter of financials, not lack of faith. "That's a financial decision. The amount of the tender versus what the market for running backs has been," Loomis said. "We like Mark, we told Mark before we made that decision that it wasn't reflective of what we thought about him, it was just a business decision. ... We have high expectations for him and I hope he has a great year."

Diehards Line: According to the 2011 collective bargaining agreement, every rookie automatically signs a four-year contract. Teams have the option to pick up a fifth year for players selected in the first round. Ingram would have received a $5.2 million base salary for 2015 if the Saints had picked up the option. He will now become a free agent at the end of this season. As Times-Picayune staffer Katherine Terrell notes, Ingram's three seasons in New Orleans have been rocky, due to injuries and inconsistent production. He missed five games this season with a toe injury as reports surfaced that he wanted a trade. However, Ingram came on strong to end the season, rushing for 97 yards and a touchdown in the NFC Wildcard win against the Philadelphia Eagles.