New Orleans Saints general manager Mickey Loomis publicly said Chris Ivory is on the trading block but “no deal is imminent.”

Ivory signed his tender as a restricted free agent last week after rumors that the New York Jets would attempt to sign him to an offer sheet. Reports now are the Jets have offered a fifth-round draft pick in exchange for Ivory.

Loomis said the Saints have had discussions with other clubs as well. At this point, it is likely the Saints are looking to see if they can improve on the offer the Jets have made. While no deal is “imminent” it’s probably a fair best something happens on Friday or Saturday as the Saints shop Ivory.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune