Mark Ingram: 'I definitely want to stay with the Saints'

Impending free-agent running back Mark Ingram says the New Orleans Saints have let him know they want him to stick around, and the feeling is mutual. 

"They want me back, for sure," Ingram told The Times-Picayune. "I was their draft pick, so they definitely want me to come back."

Ingram is hitting free agency at the perfect time, coming off his best season as a pro. In 13 games played, he carried the ball 226 times for 964 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and scored nine touchdowns. 

"I want to be a Saint," he said. "It's a great organization, first class. We have a great foundation of young talent. I just feel like we've got to keep improving and getting better. I definitely want to stay with the Saints."

Running backs don't command big money in free agency, but the Saints may find it hard to justify using the little salary cap space they have on Ingram - especially with Khiry Robinson capable of filling a similar role with the team. 

It's unlikely Ingram will re-sign until he sees what's available to him on the open market.