Report: Saints want Michael Thomas back, do not intend to trade star wideout

The Saints played the entire 2021 season without former All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas due to lingering ankle issues.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Saturday that New Orelans does not plan to trade Thomas and expect him back in 2022.

From Super Bowl Live: #Saints WR Michael Thomas is back in New Orleans and in a good place – finally – health-wise. A look at what he's been through and why the Saints won't deal him. pic.twitter.com/TtE9UyMyBv

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 12, 2022

The 28-year-old had two surgeries in 2021.

NFL.com reports the salary cap restraints making it much easier to stick it out for at least another season with Thomas:

Thomas’ 2022 cap number currently accounts for $24.7 million; that number would slightly decrease to $22.7 million in dead cap money if he’s traded or released prior to June 1, and result in $15.8 million in savings if he’s traded or released after June 1.

Thomas was the 2019 NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year but suffered the ankle injury in the first game of the 2020 season.