TheOak

(Triplett)

Current depth chart:

Darren Sproles. Age 30, signed through. 2014 salary and bonuses: $3.5 million. 2014 salary-cap number: $4.25 million.

Pierre Thomas. Age 29, signed through 2014. 2014 salary and bonuses: $2.9 million. 2014 salary-cap number: $2.9 million.

Mark Ingram. Age 24, signed through 2014, with team option for 2015. 2014 salary and bonuses: $1.39 million. 2014 salary-cap number: $2.36 million.

Khiry Robinson. Age 24, scheduled to become restricted free agent in 2016. 2014 salary and bonuses: $495,000. 2014 salary-cap number: $495,333.

Travaris Cadet. Turns 25 on Saturday, scheduled to become restricted free agent in 2015. 2014 salary and bonuses: $570,000. 2014 salary-cap number: $571,668.

Analysis:

The Saints' run game was hit or miss in 2013 (what's new?). But their depth certainly wasn't the problem. If they could get the blocking and play design down consistently, I think they have more than enough talent to be a successful rushing team. … In fact, the bigger issue the Saints will face this offseason is whether it makes fiscal sense to keep all five of the guys they already have.

Nobody in this group is making outrageous money, so there are no obvious salary-cap casualties. Sproles is the most expensive, and he had a relatively-quiet year with 824 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns. But I think he's safe because he causes such unique matchup problems as a receiver out of the backfield.

I'd hate to think that Thomas is a potential cap casualty since he arguably just had his best season as a do-everything runner/receiver/pass-protector. Thomas ran for 549 yards, caught a career-high 77 passes for 513 yards and scored five touchdowns. But the Saints need to pinch every penny this offseason, and they could save $2.9 million by releasing Thomas, so it's an option they have to consider.

That would mean turning the reins over to less-proven backs Ingram and Robinson. And Ingram, especially, has been hot and cold during his three-year career. But both young backs were outstanding in the playoffs while Thomas was out with a chest injury -- and there's no reason to doubt their abilities to build off that success.

Read more
Ranking Saints needs: No. 11 Running back - New Orleans Saints Blog - ESPN

halloween 65

Thomas- keep
Sproles- trade or package
Ingram- keep
Robinson-keep
Cadet-drop- I have seen nothing to keep on roster.
Unsure that the FO will keep Thomas but I think he could spell out Ingram and Robinson and stay healthy doing this
Might keep a back on the training squad for insurance.

Danno

$570,000 is basically vet minimum. He is a scat back who can play special teams. He'd be a good dirt cheap backup to keep if we lose Sproles and/or Thomas.

Rugby Saint II

We have to keep PT if we want to stay in the game with our screens. Robinson is a definite keeper and probably the back of the future. Neither Cadet or Ingram run a screen very well.

jeanpierre

Triplett closed the article with ...knowing the Saints, they'll unearth some other hidden star running back from some Division II school that signs as an undrafted free agent...

I wonder how long till luck runs out doing that?!?

Two big issues I see are PT and Sproles will both be 30+ by season end for the Saints; unless a RB is named Walter Payton or Otis Anderson, the age issue is cause for alarm...

Did find that Sproles was awfully slow after the sideline injury; if he doesn't have that quickness still, that's a big hit...

Hate that he's in the last year of his contract, but Ingram sure looked poised to finally take the reigns...

With Brees slowing down in the deep ball game, I'd place more priority on RB, maybe behind, LB, OL, DB, then RB...

It's not that my way is the right way, I just make the right way my way...

K Major

Keeper - Roll tide
Keeper - KRob
PT - I have a feeling he won't be wearing black and gold in 2014.
Sproles - some say the injury bug but I say he is just a year older and a step slower. I'm still on the fence with this one.
Cadet - like others have said.. he is cheap to keep and gives depth at RB and on kick offs.

Tough decisions.

Schmohams

I don't think PT will go anywhere. He shows up when his number is called.

alleycat_126

Robinson.... Keep for new backfield
Ingram....... Trade What if he does blow up... You will have to decide between him and Cam as far as who's getting paid, and Cam ain't losing and you get nothing for him...... trade now!!!
Pierre...... Trade
Sproles Keep
Cadet.... Don't bring him back.


New Blood!!!!!!!! Jeremy Hill.... Fourth or Fifth round selection....

SapperSaint

What about Jones Drew?


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The Dude

I really think Ingram is the odd man out. Robinson is pretty much a cheaper, younger version of him with more of an upside. Ingram has just been too hot and cold and has killed too many drives. He can't get tough yards when there are no holes and turn nothing into something and I think Robinson can. Ingram seemed to do better when Armstead was in I think our line blocked a little better and opened a few more holes during the playoffs. Any back can run through a wide open hole but creating a play is a different story.