Pierre Thomas Released by Saints: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The New Orleans Saints have cut ties with veteran running back Pierre Thomas.   

NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport had the news Wednesday, which was confirmed on Thursday, via Larry Holder of NOLA.com. 

Thomas went on Facebook to thank Saints fans for their support: 

Nick Underhill of The New Orleans Advocate revealed the salary-cap implications of Thomas' release:

In a related development, Rapoport added that New Orleans is shopping linebacker Curtis Lofton as part of the effort to free up more cap space:

The Saints have used a variety of backs in their pass-heavy offense catalyzed by quarterback Drew Brees. Thomas has most often been a specialist, particularly as a receiver out of the backfield.

A shoulder injury and other ailments limited him to 11 games last year, but he made the most of his opportunities, averaging 4.9 yards per tote on 45 carries and catching 45 passes for 378 yards, totaling three touchdowns.

Mark Ingram flourished in a feature role in 2014, yet he is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Younger options, such as Khiry Robinson and restricted free agent Travaris Cadet, have evidently flashed well enough for New Orleans to view Thomas as expendable.

NOLA.com's Evan Woodbery highlighted how significant Thomas' contributions have been to the Saints since he joined the team in 2007:

This is a curious move by the Saints, though. A key component of Brees' success has been predicated on creating mismatches and getting the ball to playmakers in space. Former scatback Darren Sproles and Thomas combined for a whopping 148 receptions in 2013.

Then, Sproles left for Philadelphia last offseason, and Brees had an uneven 2014 campaign by his standards, failing to guide the 7-9 Saints to the playoffs and throwing 17 interceptions. Only two QBs in the league tossed more picks.

Thomas' experience, relative success as a ball-carrier (4.6 yards per carry for his career) and aforementioned pass-catching prowess should make him a free-agent bargain. The 30-year-old doesn't have as much wear and tear as some of his workhorse contemporaries, either.

Although New Orleans has a tough salary-cap situation and is projected to be $20 million over the league mark, per Spotrac, letting Thomas go hardly helps matters.

Given the uncertainty that exists in the backfield and Brees' need for a back who can catch, the Saints would do well to either retain Ingram or explore cheaper options through the draft.