Saints Sideline Blog

PAYING PIERRE

Wednesday, August 4th, 2010      Email Print

(brought to you by Louisiana Machinery and Capital One Bank)
 
DATELINE: Metairie, LA/ August 4th,2010 (X-rays negative,that's a positive!)
 
He could have been a holdout but he isn't. If this black and gold running back would have opted to stiff arm the Saints, many would have understood Pierre's plight. No offense to Reggie Bush, but there is no way he should be making 8 million while Thomas isn't even breaking the 2 million dollar mark. Pierre Thomas was a more valuable commodity than the 8 million dollar man a year ago. For the second straight year,Pierre was the team's leading rusher and last season he put up over a thousand all purpose yards. The former "off the street" free agent has a knack for making the big play when this offense needs it the most and while he doesn't get any Subway ads, those in the Saints huddle gladly give Pierre a hearty endorsement.
 
I also understand the Saints angle. The issues with the collective bargaining agreement all give New Orleans a great advantage in defending their Super Bowl. With all the uncertainty, the team has the freedom to take its time before shelling out millions to stars like St Pierre. Its a move that not only keeps Pierre in limbo but the likes of Roman Harper as well. Being a restricted free agent is not a leverage friendly place to be in this era of labor uncertainty so Pierre's timing for a new deal couldn't have been worse. That doesn't mean it won't happen though as Mickey Loomis, not only hasn't ruled out a new deal for his star running back ,but claims the talks between he and Pierre's agent Lamont Smith have been "cordial," of late.
 
So for now Pierre will be cordial with New Orleans. After sending a statement by sitting out some offseason workouts he to the surprise of "some" is back at it in training camp. Talking to Pierre you get the feeling he is choosing his words carefully when talking about his deal--to his credit he is saying all the right things but clearly is disappointed in not getting a contract and having it drag into the season. This is a player who took the road less traveled to get this far but is taking the high road when it comes to his future bank account.
 
Right now, Thomas has to concentrate on staying healthy. Ironically, on the first official contract, I mean contact drill of camp, he took a mean lick and suffered a wrist injury. Sean Payton told us this morning that the X-Rays are negative and he predicted his back would be back in the next few days. Instead of a few days, Pierre made it one missed practice as he reappeared this afternoon--you're not keeping this guy off the field for long. The talk of possibly bringing in Ladell Betts is true but Payton says it has nothing to do with a lack of confidence in Pierre Thomas, the team just wants to possibly add some depth to a position where they need it.There is no doubting Thomas' will to be on the field and its clear this offseason Pierre displayed the same will to be compensated in an equitable fashion, time will tell if the results will "result" in a new deal.
 
AROUND THE CAMPFIRE
 
WILLIAMS/HEAD COACH-Gregg Williams told me today he is still interested to being a head coach but it would have to the right fit with the right organization that is committed to winning.
 
ROOKIE HAMSTRUNG: 1st round pick Patrick Robinson tweeked a hamstring today during practice, Payton is hopeful it won't keep him out too long. He missed the afternoon practice.
 
PORTER LEAVES PRACTICE: It was a half day for Tracy Porter suffered back spasms the second half of practice which also kept him out of the PM practice.
 
SHOCKEY WATCH: Another day without Jeremy Shockey and another day of Payton telling us he should be back soon.
 
NUMBER GAME: Running back PJ Hill surprised many of us media geeks when he switched his number to 32 today. The number became vacant with Jabari Greer switched to 33. Hill likes the number because it was his college digit, Greer won't tell anybody why he made the switch citing personal reasons.
 
PRACTICE NOTE: Thursday's practice is no longer open to the public---it will be a closed morning practice inside the team's indoor facility
 
UNTIL NEXT BLOG,
Mike Nabors
CST

By: Mike Nabors

An Emmy award winning sports reporter who covers a wide variety of events for CST. Primarily, Mike serves as the network's reporter for Saints coverage.

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