Pierre Thomas is entering his seventh season as a New Orleans Saint after being signed as an undrafted free agent in 2007. He was only one of two undrafted free agents to earn a spot on the Saints opening day roster that year.

Thomas earned his rookie roster spot by becoming a standout on special teams, but he has evolved into one of the most productive running backs in team history. He is equally adept as a runner, receiver and blocker. 

In 78 games with 26 starts, Thomas has carried 626 times for 2,974 yards (4.8 average) with 24 touchdowns and added 205 receptions for 1,717 yards (8.4 average) with seven touchdowns. 

In 2012, he carried 105 times for 473 yards (4.5 average) with one touchdown, also catching 39 passes for 354 yards (9.1 average) with one touchdown. 

Thomas has been a consistent performer, giving tremendous effort on each down, never shying away from a tough yard. He is ranked fourth in club history in yards per carry, fifth in rushing touchdowns, seventh in rushing yardage and tied for eighth in total touchdowns with 33. 

Thomas, alongside teammates Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram, make up a strong stable of running backs that will look to improve on their 2012 rushing performance in 2013.

Payton on RBs (June 11, 2013):

"Yes, it's predominately a veteran group besides a couple of players, so I think those guys obviously understand the system, the protections and all of the things that go into being versatile at that position.  So I think they are in good shape, they are healthy and that's been encouraging."