Pierre Thomas usage and value

[jedicosmonaut]

Just wondering everyone's thoughts on Pierre Thomas going forward. Most fantasy sites are predicting a few more carries and/or possibly taking a much larger role for the Saints. In the past Thomas has excelled with a larger role, but only for a short period of time. Years past, Thomas typically got hurt or a running back (like Reggie Bush) came back and Thomas' role was reversed back to normal. This year, the Saints have Mark Ingram, Chris Ivory, and Travaris Cadet. In the pre-Season, Cadet was utilized similarily as Sproles. Ivory, like Thomas can be a beast at times when given a larger role. Ivory is also a free agent at the end of the season. Ingram has been a disapointment but could still vulture TDs. The Saints remaining schedule looks pretty average. Thomas could be a valuable roster stash until it is known what his usage will be. But he could also be a nice trade candidate that could potentially return a low end WR2 or be combined for something better. I am a bit worried that the Saints may see what they have in Ivory, Cadet, and Ingram, especially with their record. Another loss and the Saints' play-off chances will be pretty slim.

[HowboutthemCowboys]

I have Sproles. My first thought was I wish I had Thomas. More I think about it....Ivory will probably get carries. Ingram's still there sucking it up...Cadet might play, I know nothing about him. IMO, it's a mess that I'm glad I don't have to deal with.

 

Not to mention chances are if they're first and goal inside the 5 Brees is gonna throw it anyway

[baddfish2]

I too have Sproles, and really didn't even consider him a RB any longer, but more of a WR3 who gets 4-5 carries a game. New Orleans is last in the league for rushing for many reasons, but I don't see the loss of Sproles making a big impact for Thomas or any other back to be honest. I see Thomas / Ivory / Ingram splitting the 5 or 6 carries Sproles was getting (useless), and maybe 2 or 3 of the receiving targets (the short ones). I think Jimmy Graham & Lance Moore will actually see more of the benefit in Sproles absence than any of the other running backs.

[Seahawk]

I'm not really high on him, but he should make a decent RB2. Esp if he figures into the passing game which he should, unless Cadet takes some of those touches away. When given the workload in the past he became injury ridden so i'd be leery in terms of trade value. If you got him already great, if you grabbed him off the wire again great.

[jedicosmonaut]

Sproles role in the passing game is very important to the Saints. Brees simply cant throw more to Graham, Colston, or Moore. The Saints obviously know that Sproles is very good at catching passes and his usage reflect this. But Sproles also keeps the defenses honest and allows Graham, and to an extent Colston, to not be double teamed as much. If Sproles is catching passes, the Linbackers and Safeties have to pay attention to both Sproles and Graham and cant cover both as well. Without Sproles, Graham could be used less becuase he is covered better. The Saints understand this and one of the running backs will still get those catches. Some of us are hoping it will be Thomas. Realistically, it could be Cadet, Ivory, Thomas and Ingram.

[wpayers]

PT Cruiser will assume Sproles' role as receiver option/check down. This plus 5-10 more RB carriers on an explosive team increases his value to low end RB2/Flex.

 

Don't over think this. He'll be good but not a stud. Ingram, Cadet and Ivory will increase in value proportionally.,