[brid autoplay=”true” video=”783845″ player=”23231″ title=”Ten%20mustsee%20NFL%20games%20in%202021″ duration=”172″ description=”For football nerds, it’s become the biggest post-draft event of the spring. Sure, the matchups are predetermined, but there’s nothing like schedule release day.The NFL released the 2021 schedule on Wednesday as it enters its first-ever 17-game season. It’s never too early to start circling dates on your calendar for this fall, so here are 10 games you won’t want to miss.” uploaddate=”2021-05-17″ thumbnailurl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/thumb/783845_t_1621259414.png” contentUrl=”//cdn.brid.tv/live/partners/17660/sd/783845.mp4″]
The relationship between the New Orleans Saints and All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas has deteriorated over the past year. With trade rumors swirling, the two sides are seemingly headed towards a resolution instead of a blockbuster move.
Thomas, the focal point of the Saints’ passing attack for years, experienced a turbulent 2020 season. After playing in every game for three consecutive years (2017-’19), the All-Pro wideout struggled to stay on the field last year. Between hamstring and ankle injuries, plus a one-game suspension for punching a teammate
It caused some frustrations between the two sides, but the issues would be set aside this offseason. However, everything took a turn this spring. Thomas’ nagging ankle injury didn’t heal and team doctors recommended surgery in February. He sought a second opinion, which suggested rehabilitation. Months later, Thomas underwent ankle surgery
- Michael Thomas stats (2016-’19): 470 receptions, 5,512 receiving yards and 32 touchdowns in 63 games
Tensions between the organization and its star receiver escalated. Sean Payton expressed frustration over how Thomas handled the injury. Shortly after, team sources detailed to Saints’ beat writers that Thomas stopped communicating with coaches for months. Unsurprisingly, Thomas fired back at the franchise on Twitter.
It sparked speculation about his future in New Orleans, leading to a discussion about whether or not he’ll even be with the team Week 1.
According to Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, Thomas and Peyton recently held a meeting to clear the air over lingering issues. Both men were bothered by comments the other made publicly and addressed them.
“They had a good talk about [the issues]. I think they both believe it’s not anything that has to go any further than what is already out there. There was some frustration from both viewpoints and that was the point of the meeting.”
NFL source to Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson on Sean Payton meeting with Michael Thomas
While the tension between the two sides is settled for now, there’s always a possibility another comment or incident causes new problems.
Will Michael Thomas be traded?
Realistically, Payton and Thomas needed to have this meeting. The Saints know entering the 2021 season that they can’t afford to alienate a star offensive player and dealing him to another team is the last thing they need.
With Thomas sidelined for the early portion of the 2021 schedule, New Orleans has the worst receiving corps in the league. This comes at a time when Payton is deciding between Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill as his starting quarterback.
The Saints need Thomas playing for them this season. But even if that is element is removed from consideration, trading the NFL star is financially damaging.
As ESPN’s Bill Barnwell notes, the Saints would need to eat $32.6 million in salary if Thomas is traded. He’d carry an $8.9 million number on the team’s salary cap in 2021 and that number would skyrocket to a $22.7 million hit next season.
- Michael Thomas contract: $10.1 million cap hit (2021), $24.7 million cap hit (’22), $25.35 million cap hit (’23)
Ultimately, Thomas will be playing in New Orleans this season. He and Payton might clash in the months ahead and it seems evident this relationship will lead to a separation in the future. But the two will make things work through January and then discuss the future in the offseason.