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5 winners of the NFL Trade Deadline: Chiefs, Rams walk away happy

By Cody Williams

Jan 23, 2019; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) during AFC practice for the 2019 Pro Bowl at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2019; Kissimmee, FL, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker Von Miller (58) and Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Melvin Ingram (54) during AFC practice for the 2019 Pro Bowl at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL Trade Deadline winners
Mark Ingram, New Orleans Saints. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports /

4. New Orleans Saints

Considering how few deals actually got done before the 2021 NFL Trade Deadline, we’re going to have to talk about some relatively minor moves and trades that weren’t made. In this case, that means taking a look at the Saints and what they did prior to Tuesday.

Last week, New Orleans completed a trade with the Houston Texans for a 2024 pick (so basically nothing) to bring veteran running back Mark Ingram back to the franchise with which he started his career.

In a vacuum, Ingram’s best years are quite clearly behind him at this point in his career. Having said that, he’s a player that can substantially help Sean Payton’s club moving forward.

The Saints cut Latavius Murray prior to the start of the regular season only to see Alvin Kamara’s backup, Tony Jones Jr., go down with an injury. That left the backfield quite thin and heightened a need for a change-of-pace back. Ingram is the perfect option who fits in seamlessly given his familiarity.

On top of this, it’s a big win for the Saints that they didn’t overreact to the Jameis Winston injury and panic-trade for a quarterback. The totality of their moves and non-moves makes them a winner in my eyes.

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