Hightower's re-signing seemed inevitable after the Saints elected not to retain restricted free agent running back Khiry Robinson, who signed with the New York Jets.
Ingram will likely resume his role as the Saints' featured back, though Hightower has proven himself as a dependable backup who may earn a regular spot in the RB rotation. The Saints now have a lot of depth in their backfield with Ingram, Hightower, C.J. Spiller, Travaris Cadet, Marcus Murphy and Vick Ballard.
Hightower began his career with the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Redskins before suffering a torn ACL in 2011.