Arizona Cardinals Should Target Free Agent Pierre Thomas

By Dan Schmelzer | Mar 25, 2015

With an aggressive defense and explosive passing game, the Arizona Cardinals started last season with the best record in the NFL at 9-1. Multiple injuries held the team back from making a serious Super Bowl run, but with a majority of their team back for next season, the Cardinals will be a force to be reckoned with again in 2015.

As great as their defense and passing game led by quarterback Carson Palmer performed last season, the Cardinals’ rushing attack lagged far behind. In fact, their 81.8 rushing yards per game was the second-worst average in all of football.

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Andre Ellington carried the load for the Cardinals for most of last season. While Ellington showed great burst and elusiveness at times, it is clear that the 5-foot-10, 199 pound back could not carry a full load by himself. Ellington struggled with injuries all season long, before shutting it down for the season after 12 games with a foot injury.

Ellington’s pure talent surely still has a place in the Cardinals’ offense, but the team must consider bringing in another running back or two to help him carry the load. Rumors of the Cardinals’ interest in Adrian Peterson have surfaced for a while now, but that seems unlikely to happen at this point.

The 2015 draft class is loaded with intriguing running back options; from Todd Gurley and Melvin Gordon in the first round, to guys like David Johnson, T.J. Yeldon and Jeremy Langford who will be available later on. There are many backs in the draft who would fit well with the Cardinals going forward.

It appears likely that the Cardinals select a running back at some point in the draft, but there is still a low-cost option in free agency that would make a ton of sense for the team.

Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs in the first quarter of their game against the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium. Georgia won 34-7. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Pierre Thomas has gone under-the-radar after being let go by the New Orleans Saints earlier this off season. Thomas is one of the most underrated players left in free agency, and would be a very solid addition to the Cardinals’ backfield.

Thomas has had a solid career after entering the league with the Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2007. His best season was probably in 2008 when he averaged 4.8 yards per carry and 9.2 yards per reception to go along with 12 total touchdowns (nine of which were rushing scores).

He has been a steady force in the Saints’ offense throughout his career with a strong and physical power running style to go along with being one of the best receivers out of the backfield in the NFL.

Injuries have always been a bit of a concern for Thomas, but he has been able to stay relatively healthy for the last few seasons. Last year, Thomas was very efficient for the Saints, averaging 4.9 yards per carry and 8.4 yards per reception.

Thomas is a 30-year-old running back, which is probably why he has not received much attention to this point on the open market. That being said, he has always been in somewhat of a part-time role so his mileage has always been limited.

He has 1,165 career touches, which is a drop in the bucket for a back his age. It is perfectly fair to think that Thomas still has plenty of life left in his legs, and could be a valuable contributor to an NFL team going forward.

Sep 7, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) celebrates a New Orleans Saints touchdown during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons won 37-34 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals specifically have a need at the running back position, and could just use somebody to help solidify the position. Whether it is in the first round or later, the Cardinals are very likely to draft a back at some point in the upcoming draft, but it would not hurt anything to have Thomas around for depth purposes.

Thomas has been a part-time player throughout his NFL career, and would likely take a small role with the Cardinals. He is a very low-risk option who would bring plenty of stability to the Cardinals’ running game.

Adding a guy like Thomas may not move the needle much, but he is an experienced player, who has always been efficient at a position that Arizona has a need. The Cardinals need to target Thomas late in this free agency period.

Next: Arizona Cardinals: 5 First-Round Targets in 2015 NFL Draft

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