Fansided

Pierre Thomas is the Ravens’ backup plan

By Will Osgood

Oct 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) is defended by Chicago Bears middle linebacker D.J. Williams (58) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas (23) is defended by Chicago Bears middle linebacker D.J. Williams (58) during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Recently released running back Pierre Thomas could replace Justin Forsett for the Ravens, if he leaves in free agency.

Justin Forsett broke onto the scene in 2014, starting for the first time in his career and making his first Pro Bowl. And because he was on a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens he gets to immediately reap the benefits of his breakout season.

The question is, will he re-sign with Baltimore or move on? The Ravens are waiting patiently, but are also ready to pounce on a similar back if Forsett decides to move on.

The Saints of course cut the eight-year veteran last week, in haste making way to get under the 2015 salary cap and make room to sign Mark Ingram–who agreed to a four-year, $16 million deal on Saturday night.

This story is more about whether Forsett re-signs in Baltimore, though. It is unclear what Forsett will command, but he had a better season than Ingram did a year ago, and Ingram will reportedly be paid just $2.0 million in 2015, the first year of his deal.

But Forsett averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2014 compared to Ingram’s 4.3. Forsett also caught 44 passes for 263 yards. That is the type of production that likely cannot be replaced by one back.

But Thomas is one of the best receiving backs in the NFL, and is THE best screen back in the league, dating back to at least 2009. It is not even close.

Plus, Thomas is used to being rotated in and out, so Bernard Pierce’s role may increase should the Ravens finalize a deal with Thomas. And that would be good for everyone involved seemingly.

Of course the Ravens would likely also look to this year’s stacked draft class to further fill the running back position. It is a class that is likely 10-deep, if not better. Any of those 10 figure to bring to the NFL an ability to move the ball on the ground and as a pass receiver.

So even if the Ravens are unable to bring back Forsett on a deal that is friendly to the team, they can probably bring in Thomas and a top running back prospect in this draft.

And frankly it could be a lot worse if you are Baltimore.

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