Pierre Thomas

Not more than 30 minutes after believing all was quiet on the signing front, New Orleans Saints Coach Sean Payton learned Thursday on his drive across the Causeway to his home in Mandeville that General Manager Mickey Loomis had signed veteran running back Pierre Thomas to a four-year contract.

No other terms have been disclosed.

Thomas’ signing to a long-term deal caps a productive week for Saints officials as they tried to complete as much business as possible before the CBA deadline expires and a lockout commences.

On Monday, the Saints signed veteran free agent defensive tackle Shaun Rogers to a one-year, $4 million contract. Earlier Thursday, they announced the signing of kicker Garrett Hartley to a new five-year contract.

They also tendered offers to eight other unrestricted and restricted free agents, including WR Lance Moore, LT Jermon Bushrod, SS Roman Harper, G Carl Nicks, DT Remi Ayodele, TE David Thomas, S Usama Young and DE Jeff Charleston.