Chicago Bears: Mark Ingram officially a free agent target

If the Chicago Bears move on from Jordan Howard, it looks as though a replacement target has already been identified.

This week is a week we have been looking forward to for a couple of months now. The Chicago Bears enter free agency with some decisions to make and maybe even a potential trade to execute.

Speaking of trade, over the weekend, football fans got a little taste of what will transpire in the next few days. The start of NFL free agency is almost upon us, and things started to heat up quite a bit as the Oakland Raiders traded for Antonio Brown.

The Bears, meanwhile, made their big splash last year when they acquired Khalil Mack from that same Raiders team. This year, general manager Ryan Pace could be in line to make another significant deal. This time, it would involve dealing running back Jordan Howard.

Who could replace Howard within Matt Nagy’s offense? Well, we now have an idea of a potential target for Chicago. Sunday afternoon, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport stated that Mark Ingram is someone whom the Bears are interested in.

Not only are the Bears interested, but so are the Green Bay Packers, apparently.

I know what you’re thinking — here we go again. Just like the Packers wanted Vic Fangio, Allen Robinson and Mack in 2018, now they want Ingram. It’s almost comical at this point. If the Bears want something, so does Green Bay.

Ingram has spent his entire 8-year career with the New Orleans Saints after being selected in the first round out of Alabama back in 2011. He has gone over the 1,000-yard mark twice in his career and, contrary to most backs his size, he can catch the football.

From 2015-2017, Ingram posted three consecutive seasons with at least 45 receptions. When Alvin Kamara came along, it was almost like a resurgence for Ingram. Suddenly, there was a dynamic running back to his side, giving Ingram fresh legs and room to do what best suits his style.

Ingram is a solid runner between the tackles, and knows how to pick up short yardage. But, again, don’t let that fool you. He’s much more suited to catch the football than the likes of Howard, which is something the Bears’ offense needs next to Tarik Cohen.

One more little tidbit: Before his days with the Bears, Pace was in New Orleans as part of the front office that drafted Ingram.

Who’s ready for free agency?