Redskins Have Reportedly Expressed Interest In RB Pierre Thomas

John Keim of ESPN.com reports that the Redskins have expressed interest in free agent RB Pierre Thomas in recent weeks.

• However, Washington is likely to wait and see what transpires in the draft before seriously considering the idea of signing Thomas to a contract.
• Keim adds that Thomas is at least a name worth keeping an eye on for  the time being.

In the event, the Redskins target a running back in the draft, Keim lists Nebraska’s Ameer Abdullah, Northern Iowa’s David Johnson, Miami’s Duke Johnson, South Carolina’s Mike Davis and possibly Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon as prospects that could make sense for Washington.

Thomas, 30, had two years remaining on his three-year, $6.9 million contract when the Saints elected to release him in a move that freed up $1.735 million in available cap space.

He’s, arguably, the best running back still available in free agency, due to his effectiveness in third-down situations and in the screen game.

In 2014, Thomas ran for 222 yards on 45 carries (4.9 YPC) to go along with 45 receptions for 378 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 9 running back in the league out of 57 qualifying players.