Saints Nation: Saints Are Close to Signing Linebacker Clint Ingram

Per NFL reporter Jason LaCanfora's twitter page: "Free agent LB Clint Ingram mulling offer from New Orleans. Could well end up with the world champs." Ingram was a restricted free agent for the Jacksonville Jaguars. He had originally received a small qualifying offer from the Jags, but the team later rescinded their offer making him an unrestricted free agent free to sign with anyone. Ingram has been a somewhat productive and decent player, and at just 27 years of age it's a little surprising he hasn't received much interest. The Saints' offer is apparently in the $1.2 million neighborhood, so it's clear they're lowballing him and hoping to get him at a reduced rate. They used this same philosophy with Darren Sharper last year and it turns out very well, but by no means is Ingram on that level. Ingram's best season came in his rookie year when he tallied 71 tackles, 1.5 sacks and an interception. Last year, his 4th season in the NFL, he posted 52 tackles. Ingram played in 13 games last year, starting 12. He'll compete for a chance to start with the Saints should he sign.


I hope the Saints get this guy. They're very young and inexperienced at linebacker after Jonathan Vilma and Scott Shanle. I'm not saying this guy will come in and make a huge impact, and I'm not even sure he'll crack the starting lineup, but the Saints need a veteran that can come in and compete. The more the Saints can push Jo-Lonn Dunbar and Jonathan Casillas' progression, the better. Especially at the price they're trying to get Ingram, a failed experiment would have been worth it. The flip side is they get him at a very affordable rate and get tremendous value out of it. Fingers crossed he becomes a member of the Black and Gold soon.