Pierre Thomas agrees to two-year extension with New Orleans Saints

Pierre Thomas (top) tallied 1,062 yards from scrimmage for the Saints last season. (Simon Bruty/SI) The New Orleans Saints attempted to shake up their

Pierre Thomas (top) tallied 1,062 yards from scrimmage for the Saints last season.  (Simon Bruty/SI)

The New Orleans Saints attempted to shake up their offensive backfield early in the offseason, making running back Pierre Thomas available in trade talks. However, after what appeared to be a lukewarm market for the veteran rusher, the Saints decided to re-up his contract and keep him in New Orleans for the foreseeable future.

According to multiple reports, Thomas and the Saints have agreed to a two-year extension that will keep him under contract through the 2016 season.

Thomas had 147 carries for 549 yards, a career-high 77 catches for 513 yards and five total touchdowns in 2013, but he is approaching the age where NFL rushers typically begin to slow down. While Thomas isn't the threat that he once was out of the backfield, he is still a valuable member of the Saints offense and it would have been crushing for Drew Brees and company to lose Thomas and Darren Sproles (who remains on the trade block) in the same offseason.

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Financial terms of Thomas' deal were not disclosed, but he likely watched his cap number decrease to better reflect the role he will have with the team going forward.

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