NFL Free Agency 2015 Rumors: New Orleans Saints Cut Pierre Thomas, May Trade Curtis Lofton

This offseason will be full of change for the New Orleans Saints, who are currently in the red by $22 million regarding the salary cap according to Overthecap.com estimates. That’s why they have cut longtime tailback Pierre Thomas, and are reportedly shopping linebacker Curtis Lofton.

Lofton has accumulated 282 tackles as an inside linebacker for the Saints over the past two years, but despite his high level of play the Saints defense ranked 31st in the NFL last season, and dead last against the run. Even if Lofton played well, his impact wasn’t enough to make their run defense passable, and he is going to count for $9.25 million against the cap.

While Thomas has never been a workhorse for New Orleans, he’s been a vital part of their passing game for eight seasons, averaging 41 receptions and 326 yards. He has compiled more than 6,000 yards from scrimmage as a New Orleans Saint, and scored 30 touchdowns.

Compounding matters, the Saints look like they may lose former first round pick Mark Ingram this offseason, after he finally broke out with a 964-yard, nine-touchdown season in which he only played in 13 games and started nine. That performance is drawing attention from the Philadelphia Eagles, who just traded Pro Bowl running back LeSean McCoy to the Buffalo Bills.

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