Saints make key decision to clear up Michael Thomas’ future

The New Orleans Saints have offered up the clearest signal yet that wide receiver Michael Thomas will be back with the team in 2022.

The Saints restructured Thomas’ contract and converted $14.6 million of salary into a signing bonus, allowing the team to spread the cap hit for future years, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN. If the Saints were to trade Thomas, they would be responsible for paying all the cap charges this year.

In other words, the contract restructure all but ensures that the Saints will be keeping Thomas in 2022. The decision would make no sense if they didn’t.

Thomas and the Saints had a bit of a falling out last summer over how Thomas dealt with an injury. Things are apparently going much more smoothly so far this offseason. This move is clear evidence of that as well.

Photo: Dec 22, 2019; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) breaks the record for receptions in a season with this touchdown reception during the second half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports