5 free agents Vikings can sign to replace Adrian Peterson

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Dec 26, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Redskins running back Pierre Thomas (39) gains yardage against Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Kiko Alonso (50) at Lincoln Financial Field. The Redskins defeated the Eagles, 38-24. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Pierre Thomas

If the Vikings sign either Grice or Wilds, that would signify Minnesota wants fresh legs over proven veteran experience in an NFL backfield. However, if Minnesota wants an aging veteran to add to their locker room, it might be an okay idea to sign former New Orleans Saints running back Pierre Thomas.

For years, Thomas was Saints quarterback Drew Brees’ safety valve in the New Orleans backfield. Thomas was an elite pass-catching tailback for the Saints from 2007 to 2014. He has 3,809 career rushing yards and 28 rushing touchdowns.

However, it’s his receiving game out of the backfield that sets him apart. Thomas has 2,692 career receiving yards for 12 touchdowns in nine NFL seasons. Bradford may really like having a reliable pass catcher in the backfield. Signing Thomas wouldn’t be crazy if it can help Bradford in 2016.

The only issue with Thomas is that he is 31 years old. He’ll be 32 by the time the Vikings play their first 2016 NFC Playoff game (if they make it that far). Then again, Peterson is over 30 years old, too. Yes, Thomas is not even in the same galaxy of a running back as Peterson, but it seems that the Vikings care more about productivity than age in their backfield.

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