With the emergence of second-year running back Pierre Thomas and a healthy and confident Reggie Bush, who looks like he is due for a possible stellar year, the Saints may have the backfield they needs to finally get to the next level.
But the question remains: What is to happen to the franchise's best running back in team history?
Deuce McAllister, a first-round pick in 2001, has the franchise record of 5,678 rushing yards in a career, as well as rushing touchdowns with 44, and he is tied for the most touchdowns in a single season with 13. He also owns the franchise record of 22 games of rushing for at least 100 yards.
McAllister is also the first Saints running back to rush for over 1,000 yards in three consecutive seasons and rush for over 1,050 yards four times in five years. He quickly became a fan favorite and a leader both on and off the field in New Orleans.
But with serious injuries in two of the last three seasons to both of his knees, the question isn't how much long can he be the dominant, key contributor he has always been. The question is: How much longer can the Saints afford to keep him on the roster?
Reggie Bush is younger and quicker, but he still needs to learn to run downfield before trying to make something happen. But to Bush's credit, he is finally lowering his shoulder and fighting for extra yards instead of running out of bounds for just a short gain.
Pierre Thomas is even younger, has quick feet and a good burst through the line, and has the breakaway speed needed to get into the open field. He has the tools, tangibles, and attributes to become a Brian Westbrook-type player.
Mike Karney is the quintessential power fullback, who has the eyes to read the defense to lead block for a talented backfield. He can also burst through the line, something the team hadn't seen since the days of Lorenzo Neal. He also has the catching ability and the ramming power to get good gains.
Aaron Stecker is a special-teams mainstay and team leader. He is durable to just about any situation, and he has done his best to fill in over the years during key injuries to the running-back corps. But he is also in the final year of his contract.
Bush did cut a new deal with the Saints earlier this year to save money now, but his salary will be jumping up dramatically in the last two years of the contract (which runs until 2011).
Thomas is on the roster until 2010, but he is making far less money than he is actually worth. And with his production and playing time definitely increasing this year, he may be due for a new and more deserving contract that would probably keep him with the Saints till at least 2012.
Yet, McAllister's contract runs until 2012. And with the Saints needing to re-sign other key players in the next coming years, as well as bring in a free agent or two, more than likely this could be the last season we see No. 26 suit up in the black and gold.
3 comments Last one added 9 months ago — Leave a Comment
Robert Lewis 9 months ago
This will be his last year, hopefully the Saints go to the big dance, but if they dont he will retire anyway. He is set in the gulf coast area, he owns multiple business' and is a staple to the community. Not to say he does not want a ring, but he would be happy to finish as a Saint and what he has accomplished.
He knows his days are numbered, Shaun Alexander was let go, and nobody has picked him up. Running backs with bad knees dont get touched anymore.
Even if you were the NFL MVP 2 years ago.
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russ autin 9 months ago
i don't know , seem like the way he came in camp ,the weight he lost, the way he talks in the media ,he thinks he can still play at a high level. the saints are smart not to rush him but, I think later in the season they will use him, and barring a setback or new injury will be glad to have him back next year .might take a little contract adjustment.
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Roy LaFaver 9 months ago
I think it is a little early to discount his importance to the team. He will be a huge factor this year, and the fact he won't have to shoulder the team will extend his career. The Saints are deep with running backs and receivers, so deep they can go with a second unit better than many first units. The OL is much stronger this year, and that too will help Duece. I'm not counting him gone any time soon.
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