New Orleans Saints Rumors: Team shopping Pierre Thomas, Lance Moore

Jan 4, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Lance Moore (16) scores a touchdown after making a catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of the 2013 NFC wild card playoff football game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

As one of the most cap-strapped teams heading into free agency, the New Orelans Saints are currently shopping wideout Lance Moore and running back Pierre Thomas, per ESPN Insider Adam Schefter. In Schefter’s tweet, he also went on to say the team was open to trading RB Darren Sproles.

The report makes sense, as the Saints are flush with backs and wideouts on their roster. Moore was a 1,000 yard receiver in 2012, but the emergence of rookie Kenny Stills has made him expendable. At 30 and undersized for his position, Stills is a more attractive option as the third receiving weapon beside Jimmy Graham and Marques Colston.

As for Thomas, he’s now the old man in the Saints rotation of backs. The team likes undrafted 2013 rookie Khiry Robinson and is still waiting for Mark Ingram to live up to his first round status. Even though Thomas has had a few big games each year as a Saint, as well as a TD in their Super Bowl win, he’s the odd man out for a team with an unnecessary cluster at running back.

If the Saints do part ways with Thomas, it’s hard to believe they’d trade Sproles as well. There would certainly be a market for the scatback, but he’s so integral to the Saints offense when he’s on the field. However, it is possible that Sean Payton and Drew Brees can turn anyone into a playmaker in their high octane offense.

It’s been a busy offseason for the Saints thus far. The Graham situation is still ongoing, as the team signed him to a non-exclusive franchise tag last week. Also, on the defensive side, New Orleans cut Will Smith, Roman Harper and Jabari Greer last month.