It sounds like tensions between Michael Thomas and the Saints are continuing to cool off. Following a meeting between the wideout and coach Sean Payton earlier this week, Thomas is expected to be in attendance for tonight’s preseason opener, reports Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com.
The writer notes that “Thomas’ attendance came at the request of Payton,” and Duncan wouldn’t be surprised if the two are seen standing together “in a show of solidarity.” Of course, while both sides could put on a fake smile for the press, this seems to be a positive development as the organization looks to overcome their recent fallout.
To review: Thomas is expected to miss a chunk of the Saints’ 2021 campaign due to a late-offseason ankle surgery, and Payton revealed that he would have preferred the receiver underwent the procedure earlier in the offseason in order to be ready for the upcoming campaign. Thomas later fired back at his coach’s comments, leading to the face-to-face meeting earlier this week. According to Duncan, the two sides had a “productive talk,” and everyone left the meeting “feeling positive about the interaction.”
From the organization’s perspective, it always made more sense to resolve the issues vs. trading Thomas elsewhere. For starters, the receiver’s trade value has plummeted; since he shattered the NFL single-season reception record, with 149 in 2019, the Ohio State product has run into injury issues on multiple fronts and was suspended for a game for fighting with teammate Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. The past year has affected Thomas’ standing around the league, with two GMs telling Yahoo’s Charles Robinson that the receiver’s trade value has fallen to the point no first-round pick could be attached in a deal without protections.
Of course, Thomas is also out for a while, so no trade would be imminent, regardless. Further, if Thomas does make a full recovery, it makes sense for the Saints to keep him as they look to kick off the post-Drew Brees era with either Jameis Winston or Taysom Hill.
I can see the Jags trading for him straight up for CB Henderson.
Jags take the injury and salary while getting Lawrence a great WR. Saints start to retool and get cap space.
Haha, no.
I would consider it, and I love Michael Thomas as a player and I think he’s a good person, too. It comes down to business, however, and the last two years of lower body injuries hasn’t boded well, especially a receiver. Thomas isn’t a blazer, but will provide his QB with a safety net, and open the vertical pass game, because he is so good on the horizontal routes underneath. His size is also helpful, I wish the Saints would use him more in the slot, which to me would cause match-up issues against teams. But, a good cover corner, is a plus-plus, especially when facing Tom Brady and Matt Ryan 2x a year in division. In the Saints defensive scheme, they ask their corners to play physical and man, haven’t seen Henderson enough to know if he fits that m.o. but if I was Mickey Loomis, I would at least think about that trade. Maybe could even give a 3rd for Chark?
But who is saying Henderson is a good CD? Maybe if we were talking about Howard or somebody like that. But Thomas is one of the best receivers in football, even with his limited speed, so you’d better be talking about the same caliber of player back along with some high draft picks like Diggs or Hopkins fetched. I mean look at what Diggs did for that Buffalo offense last year. It was night and day. Thomas could do the same for a young QB and would be the same kind of asset for the Saint QB room if he stays there.
I agree with your assessment 100%. I guess I was speaking more hypothetical, that if I was Loomis, I would have to at least think about Thomas and a 3/4, for Henderson and Chark, if they, front office and coaching staff, thought it would improve the team. I personally hope they wouldn’t, because I know the value of Thomas to the Saints. But, I would at least consider that option.
May be the Jags throw in G Minshew. Saints can take look at him as well?
Low key Gardner with Payton would be great
Realfootballfan –
They couldn’t afford Howard…especially since he would certainly want to renegotiate if he were to be traded and demand MORE money
Sascoach2003 –
I don’t know him personally but he certainly sounds like a stand up guy from what I’ve read
It’s possible that Minshew could be put in a hypothetical trade, but I think he is only there if the Saints think he will be better than the Winston/Hill combination, AND, if Urban isn’t going to keep him on the 53. I personally don’t see that, I think he stays as a “security blanket” much like Fitzpatrick was for Tua last year. I believe, though, that Payton is going to use the skill set of both his QBs, use the run game more to set up play action, and rely heavily on the defense and clock management to shorten and win games.
“Of course, while both sides could put on a fake smile for the press, this seems to be a positive development as the organization looks to overcome their recent fallout”.
If I was paid what these two guys were, I don’t think I would have to fake a smile.
Typical Ohio state crap