New Orleans Saints restricted free agent running back Pierre Thomas has signed his one-year tender, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports.

Thomas, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2007, was tendered at the "Second Round" level, and barring a long-term contract extension, will earn a $1.684 million dollar base salary in 2010.

Had Thomas not signed his tender, the Saints would have had a window of opportunity to reduce Thomas' tender to 110% of his 2009 base salary, or $506,000, costing Thomas $1.178 million dollars this upcoming season.

Thomas has led the Saints in rushing in each of the last two seasons, totaling 1,418 yards and 15 touchdowns. The 5-11, 210-pound Thomas has 1,670 yards and 16 touchdowns on the ground during his 41 regular season games with the Saints, and has added 87 receptions for 737 yards and 6 touchdowns as a receiver.

Thomas and his agent, C. Lamont Smith, continue to seek a long-term extension, though last week Smith told Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune that the two sides were far apart in negotiations.

"He's 25-year-old and in the prime of his career, " Smith said. "He's been the team's leading rusher the last couple of years. He's done everything the right way; he's made no money in his career. He could have very easily made a big deal about it at this time last year, but he was adamant about not doing that.

"We're not asking for Steven Jackson money, " Smith said. "We just want a fair deal."

Thomas' signing leaves three unsigned restricted free agents for the Saints: Left tackle Jammal Brown, whose tender cannot be reduced, and wide receiver Lance Moore and safety Roman Harper. Moore and Harper are expected to sign their tenders.