The final day of the NFL’s league year inspired frantic negotiations in Washington D.C. and beyond.
The New Orleans Saints were the latest team to re-sign one of their players before the clock strikes midnight, locking up running back Pierre Thomas to a surprise four-year contract, according to Brian Allee-Walsh of New Orleans.com. Saints coach Sean Payton confirmed the story to Walsh.
It’s a terrific move for the Saints and we suspect they got the former undrafted draft pick at a reasonable price. The move is a surprise because Thomas and the team were at odds over his value for much of last year, and there was a lot of drama about his recovery from an ankle injury.
This contract will make it easier for the Saints to move on from Reggie Bush if they can’t renegotiate Bush’s contract. Everyone cited Bush’s absence as a key reason the Saints offense sagged last year, but we’d argue that Thomas’ tough, versatile play was more sorely missed.
With Thomas and Chris Ivory in the fold for next year, running back doesn’t figure to be a big priority for the Saints in the draft.
UPDATE: Adam Schefter reports it’s a four-year, $12 million contract. That’s a steal.
