The Saints have been restructuring contracts over the last couple days, and have used that money to re-sign running back Mark Ingram to a four-year deal, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Pro Football Talk reported the details of the deal.
Four years, $16 million for Mark Ingram to stay with Saints, per league source.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 8, 2015MORE: Chargers close to deal with Flowers | Wayne wanted one more year with Colts | 49ers want Gore back
Ingram, 25, broke out in 2014, reaching his first Pro Bowl in four seasons as a pro. He rushed for 964 yards and nine touchdowns, despite missing three games due to a broken hand.
Ingram showed better burst and patience last year, and New Orleans believes his best years are yet to come. The Saints entered the offseason nearly $21 million above the salary cap, but by converting signing bonuses into roster bonuses have shed that number significantly. Players such as Marques Colston and Broderick Bunkley have also restructured their contracts to save the organization money.
The Saints cut long-time running back Pierre Thomas last week, so Ingram will share the backfield with Khiry Robinson and Travaris Cadet.