DT Hollis Thomas

The Saints and representation of Hollis Thomas hammered out a new contract for the big defensive tackle in Indianapolis at the scouting combine this past weekend.

On Monday, ESPN reported that the new contract had been agreed upon. The deal is $12 million and will pay the 12-game starter half its total value in 2007. The front-loaded deal keeps Thomas from hitting the free agent market.

The 6'0 defensive tackle, generously listed at 330 pounds, collected 43 total tackles, 3.5 sacks in 2007 and six more tackles in the playoffs.

While the Saints run defense wasn't solid this season (23rd in the NFL averaging 128.9/game), Thomas was a solid part of the defensive tackle rotation. Even with his new deal Thomas doesn't figure to be an every down player. The Saints averaged giving up 136.9 yards per game on the ground in the 12 regular season and two postseason games that Thomas played in. Paradoxically, they gave up 116.5 when Thomas was suspended for the final four regular season.

The long-time Eagle, masterfully plucked away during the opening minutes of the second day of the 2006 NFL Draft, doesn't come without some risks. The positive steroid test during training camp - Thomas contends it was because of his asthma medication - resulted in a four game suspension. A second test would result in an eight-game suspension.

Advantage Saints: Thomas was acquired from Philadelphia when the Saints moved back nine picks in the fourth round, swapping picks with Philadelphia. The Eagles traded up for Georgia G Max-Jean Gilles, who didn't appear in a game for them, while the Saints pocketed Thomas and took Bloomsburg G Jahri Evans with the 108th overall pick. Evans started all 18 games at right guard.