Report: Saints not expected to trade Thomas

The relationship between the New Orleans Saints and wide receiver Michael Thomas seems to be on the right track again.

New Orleans wants Thomas back for the 2022 campaign and doesn't plan to trade him, sources told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Speculation regarding a potential trade surfaced last year due to issues between the star wideout and his coaching staff.

Thomas wasn't available to begin the season after undergoing ankle surgery in June. Former Saints head coach Sean Payton, who stepped away from football this year, said in July that Thomas should've had the procedure earlier.

The 28-year-old reportedly ignored calls from his coaches for three months after they discovered he'd require surgery that would sideline him for at least the first month. He ultimately missed the entire year.

Injuries also affected Thomas' 2020 campaign, limiting him to 40 receptions, 438 yards, and no touchdowns in seven appearances.

The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year topped 1,000 yards in each of his first four NFL seasons after being drafted in the second round in 2016. He also set an all-time single-season record with 149 receptions and led the league with 1,725 receiving yards in 2019.

A trade would save the Saints $15.8 million in cap space. They enter the 2022 offseason approximately $76 million over the salary cap, according to Over The Cap.