Colts: 3 monster playmakers Indy could trade for midseason
By Jerry Trotta
![INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard signs an autograph before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) INDIANAPOLIS, IN - SEPTEMBER 29: Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard signs an autograph before the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fhorseshoeheroes-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2016-2F04-2F1172274020-850x560-86ccb272a598b20b637ef30ea7ab0a9f0036d0fe5ac9527bc3eba1017c75704f.jpg)
1. Michael Thomas
The Saints are in a transition period following the retirement of Drew Brees, though they clearly intend on competing in 2021. However, they’re in a loaded conference and their current QB options are Jameis Winston and Taysom Hill.
It goes without saying those options don’t inspire much confidence (Winston tossed 30 interceptions two years ago and Hill attempted just 30 passes in his career before last season), and that could potentially prompt superstar wideout Michael Thomas to request a trade.
That might seem outlandish, but the Thomas trade rumors were loud last season after New Orleans suspended him following an altercation with a teammate that was reportedly the end result of Thomas dismissing instructions from Sean Payton’s coaching staff.
Michael Thomas might not be long for the Big Easy. Could the Colts come calling?
Thomas would be a perfect addition to the Colts’ offense, as he’s arguably the best possession receiver the NFL has to offer. For context, the two-time All-Pro led the league in catches in both 2019 and 2020 before injuries limited him to seven games last year.
From 2016 (his rookie year) to 2020, Thomas averaged a ridiculous 117.5 receptions for 1,378 yards and eight touchdowns, to go along with an absurd 77.8% catch rate. If Indy wanted to ensure Wentz’s success for the foreseeable future, they’d pursue Thomas in aggressive fashion.
The only question the Colts’ front office has to ask themselves is whether they’d be willing to absorb Thomas’ contract, as the former second-round pick will account for cap hits of $24.7 million, $25.35 million and $24.6 million over the final three years of his deal.