When we initially passed along Pierre Thomas’ four-year, $12 million contract last week, we called it a steal for New Orleans. That assessment holds up after viewing the fine print.
ESPN.com’s Pat Yasinkskas has the details. Thomas’ deal includes a $640,000 base salary in 2010 which is guaranteed. He’ll also get a $2.7 million roster bonus this year.
Thomas’ base salary climbs to $2.16 million in 2011, and and $860,000 of that is guaranteed. Add Thomas’ 2010 pay to his guaranteed ’11 pay, and his total guaranteed money in the deal is $4.2 million.
Thomas’ total pay in 2013 will be $2.5 million, and it will be $2.9 million in 2014.
The deal is similar overall to Chester Taylor’s contract last year, although it’s not as front-loaded. Considering Thomas averaged roughly 1,000 yards from scrimmage on a successful offense in 2008-2009, you could argue he deserved more.
The deal reminds us a lot of the contract Fred Jackson signed with Buffalo in 2009, which looks better for the Bills every year.