The relationship between WR Michael Thomas and the New Orleans Saints appears to be dissolving in a very public way. With the Saints seemingly upset by Thomas’ decision to delay surgery and Thomas hinting at more behind the scenes, could we see Thomas on his way out of New Orleans in the coming weeks and months? If Thomas was to seek a trade, what could be the potential landing spots for the Saints WR?
Could Michael Thomas find a landing spot in the New England Patriots?
Every time a top wide receiver is available, the Patriots get mentioned. They revamped their receiving group with the additions of Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne in March. Yet, Thomas could still be in the frame for New England.
However, the group as a whole still lacks that star No. 1 option. Nelson is a solid deep threat, with an average depth of target (aDOT) of 15.5 last year. Meanwhile, Bourne has yet to put together a strong season in his four years in the league. He has just 1,769 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in his career — excellent numbers, but not team-leading worthy.
Jakobi Meyers is penciled in as that No. 1 for many in New England. However, if New England was a landing spot for Thomas, he would significantly upgrade what Meyers brings to the field.
What would New England likely have to give up for Thomas?
At this point, the cost is really dependent on how far the relationship has dissolved. If the Saints and Thomas are ready for a split, the cost could be cheap.
Most likely, the Patriots would look to use former first-round selection N’Keal Harry as compensation. However, Harry’s worth is presumably not very high after two poor years to start his NFL career. Realistically, it would take Harry plus at least a mid-to-high round pick to make any significant progress on a trade for Thomas.
Could the Kansas City Chiefs be a landing spot for Thomas?
Now this one is a terrifying thought for anyone else in the NFL. Imagine a combination of Thomas, Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes. That would be the best combination of pass catchers and quarterback in the league by some distance.
In terms of the logistics of the move, cost should not really be an issue in terms of draft picks to acquire him. The Chiefs are in the window to win Super Bowls right now, and Thomas can help with that.
Therefore, if Kansas City has to give up first-round draft capital, they may be willing to do it. The roster is strong top to bottom, but some expensive contracts and potential cap issues could mean the Chiefs value those draft picks.
In terms of Thomas’ big contract and fitting it into the situation in Kansas City, that may not be an issue either. Thomas’ contract would cost the team acquiring him just $1 million in 2021 and $16 million in 2022. Those numbers are very manageable, and beyond that, there is no guaranteed money remaining in the deal.
Are the Packers still in the WR market?
A few weeks ago, a trade for Thomas would have potentially been the perfect present for Green Bay to give their want-a-away QB. However, the acquisition of Randall Cobb has somewhat reduced the immediate need for the position.
Then again, as much as Aaron Rodgers loves Cobb, Thomas is a far superior player. The thought of a receiving group containing Davante Adams, Thomas, Cobb, and Allen Lazard is pretty mouth-watering.
If the Packers commit to giving Rodgers that level of talent around him in 2021 and 2022, it could solve several problems. It would give Rodgers the offensive weapons he needs to win a Super Bowl. By doing so, the Packers could avoid any drama next offseason in terms of Rodgers being unhappy in Green Bay.
The problem for Green Bay is that adding the former Ohio State receiver could harm their ability to bring Adams back next offseason. Adams is looking to be paid as the best receiver in football. In Thomas, they would have a receiver already commanding over $15 million in salary. Would Green Bay be able to commit more than $30 million in salary cap space to two wide receivers?
Ben Rolfe is a Senior Managing Editor at Pro Football Network and is also a member of the Fantasy Sports Writers Association (FSWA). You can find him on Twitter @BenRolfePFN.
