The New Orleans Saints and Pierre Thomas are still miles apart on the desired financials, but the running back will remain a member of the team at least for the 2010 season, as Thomas has signed a one-year restricted free agent tender that will pay him $1.684 million.
Pierre Thomas Signs RFA Tender To Remain With Saints
In three seasons, Thomas has yet to compile more than 150 carries in a season, though there is little debate that Thomas was an integral contributor for the Super Bowl champions last season. And at 25, he’d got plenty left in tank should the team want to increase his workload. In 2009, he averaged more than five yards per carry during the regular season and the starting running back in the Super Bowl, where he scored a second half touchdown to give the Saints their first lead of the game.
Thomas was said to be seeking a deal in the neighborhood of the six-year, $44.8 million contract Steven Jackson got from the Rams in 2008, though his agent has disputed that demands were that high. What he did confirm was that the Saints offer of four years for $11 million wasn't sufficient.
Of course, it’s a bit of a risk for Thomas hoping that, should the Saints not come forward with a more desirable long-term deal before the season starts, he will cash in on the free agent market for a 2011 season that is far from guaranteed.
In other Saints RFA news, Jason La Confora has reported that receiver Lance Moore will sign his tender later this week.
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