For as much as the Lions running game improved last season, a key question remains heading into 2019: Who will Detroit pair with Kerryon Johnson?
LeGarrette Blount is gone. Theo Riddick will be back, but he's primarily a pass catcher. Zach Zenner could be back, but he's not the most dynamic runner himself.
Ingram, 29, has spent the duration of his eight-year career in New Orleans. He's been one of the NFL's most productive running backs over the last five seasons, earning a trip to the Pro Bowl in both 2014 and 2017. His 4,545 rushing yards since 2014 are the fifth most in the league.
In 2017, his last full season, Ingram rushed for 1,124 yards and 12 touchdowns, and added 58 receptions for 416 yards.
Under Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia, the Lions have been clear about their preference to divide touches in the backfield. They don't want to use Johnson as a bell-cow. He came out of college with a history of injuries, and he missed the final six games of his rookie season with a sprained knee.
When healthy, Johnson was dynamic. He eclipsed 100 yards rushing twice and his 5.4 yards per carry were tied for second best in the league.
As a team, the Lions averaged at least 4.0 yards per carry and 100.0 yards per game for the first time since 2013. Their offense figures to be even more run-oriented in 2019 under Darrell Bevell.
Ingram, who came out of Flint Southwestern Academy in 2008, would be a senisble addition to the equation.
Free agency officially begins March 13, but the tampering period opened on Monday. Players can agree to terms with teams before formally signing a contract.