P.T. Leaving the Big Easy?

At the end of 2009, Pierre Thomas asked the Saints to sign him to a multi-year “Steven Jackson-type” contract pointing out that he had done enough for the organization to deserve it. Pierre rushed for nearly 800 yards on less than 150 carries, but the Saints didn't make a move on a long term contract, instead, both sides settled on a 1-year contract, worth over $1.6 million. The Saints were probably giving Pierre one more season to prove he is worth a big contract, while also taking things safe, as they wait for the new CBA, or lack thereof, to work out.

Pierre was injured towards the end of the Atlanta game in Week 3, he continued playing after the injury, so Saints fans were shocked when Pierre couldn't play for Week 4, or 5, 6, 7, or 8. There is still no definite time table for Pierre's return, and Chris Ivory wouldn't have it any other way. With Bush and Thomas out, Ivory is getting most of the teams carries, and he is making the most of
it. He has rushed for 325-yards on less than 60 attempts.

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With Ivory running the ball as well as he is, minus the 3 fumbles, Pierre's job in 2011 isn't as secure as he would like it to be. I'm sure many teams would love to pick up Pierre, but they probably wouldn't offer him the contract he is looking for, and the Saints have more leverage against a “Steven Jackson-type” contract, knowing that Ivory and Bush could split most of the teams carries. PJ Hill and Lynell Hamilton will both be back next year as well; Hamilton is a great short yardage back, and his chances at a roster spot look good.

This doesn't necessarily mean Pierre is going to leave the Saints, it just means it will be easier for the Saints to say “no” if Pierre asks for a big contract like he did at the end of last season.

By Tyler Douglass
ProFootball-fans.com New Orleans Saints Correspondent