Darren Sproles will not be a member of the New Orleans Saints for much longer. Pierre Thomas, on the other hand, might be a lifer.
Thomas' agent, Lamont Smith, announced on Twitter that the running back has signed a two-year contract extension. After an offseason that included so many departures by big-name Saints, many with Super Bowl titles, this news will be popular in New Orleans.
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The Saints' backfield is nearly set for 2013. Khiry Robinson and Mark Ingram both figure to have bigger roles next season, while Thomas likely will handle many of the passing-down duties. He's still one of the best screen backs in the league, with a career high 77 catches last season.
Thomas' deal should lower his cap number for the year, which will help the team fit Jairus Byrd and Jimmy Graham's eventual contract under the salary cap.
After a season in which the team said goodbye to Jabari Greer, Will Smith, Jonathan Vilma, Roman Harper, Lance Moore and Sproles, at least one familiar face will remain in the team's backfield.
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