The New Orleans Saints have a lot of free agency issues on their hands that do not involve tight end Jimmy Graham. After already making cuts on defense, the next position in focus is the running back group. The Saints have a crowded roster at the position despite being a throw-first type of team, which could leave at least one player on the outside looking in unless a pay cut is accepted.
The New Orleans Times-Picayune is reporting that Pierre Thomas is going to be the running back faced with a decision this offseason. The veteran is owed $2.9 million in 2014 as he enters the final year of his contract. Given the Saints' salary cap and free agency situation, it is reported he will be asked to take a pay cut or be released to the free agent market.
Thomas and the Saints have already met to discuss the running back's future with the team. Releasing him would save the team $2.9 million in cap space with no dead money. That is certainly an upside. According to the paper, right now it looks like Thomas will accept less money and return to the team given the free agent market likely will not be kind to a 29-year-old running back.
Thomas is aware that his age is against him. He suffered a chest injury last season that kept him out of the final two playoff games, allowing Mark Ingram to really shine in his place. He has been sharing the reps for the past seven seasons, averaging about 110 carries a year. However, he is only averaging 4.6 yards per carry which will not garnet a lot of attention if he becomes available.
The Saints are trying to clear as much money as possible as they continue to fight with Graham over his upcoming deal. The team has six days to negotiate a new contract with the tight end before giving him the franchise tag. FOX Sports reports the two sides are several million dollars apart and a franchise tag is the likely option.
If Graham gets tagged as a tight end, he will file a grievance report with the NFL in order to get tagged as a wide receiver instead. Graham has the stats to win the case, costing the Saints more money than the team was hoping. Thomas would be wise to accept less money, because if not he will be released whether he likes it or not.
