Ravens could trade for Michael Thomas, according to one analyst
The Baltimore Ravens went on a mission this offseason to add wide receivers around quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The team acquired Sammy Watkins in free agency and added rookies Rashod Bateman and Tylan Wallace in the 2021 NFL Draft. After those three additions, most would believe the Ravens are done adding weapons for Jackson.
But one pundit thinks differently.
Bleacher Report’s Chris Roling recently compiled a list of one trade each NFL team should make before the start of training camp.
On the list, Rolling has the Ravens trading away two draft picks for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas.
Could the Ravens actually pull off a trade for Michael Thomas?
Before the rants begin to build up in the comment section, I understand this is highly unlikely, but not impossible.
The Saints pass-catching weapon has been rumored to be on the trade block for quite some time. Injuries Thomas sustained in 2020 and the loss of future NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees have fueled speculation of a Thomas exit in 2021.
Roling has the Ravens trading away a 2022 first-round pick and a 2023 second-round pick for the star receiver.
"“Like any team with a star quarterback, the Baltimore Ravens should never stop looking for upgrades around Lamar Jackson, especially in an AFC with names like Patrick Mahomes.And especially if there’s even a slight chance a superstar like Michael Thomas might be available.Thomas just restructured his contract with the New Orleans Saints. But with that team still in cap trouble, others might be open to at least sending major offers to see if the Saints bite, especially now that Drew Brees is gone and the rebuild is about to begin, anyway.This one is unlikely, of course, but the worst thing the Saints can do is say no. And upgrading on Sammy Watkins with Thomas and pairing him with Marquise Brown and rookie Rashod Bateman would strike some fear in the rest of the AFC, to say the least.”"
In a division that features the Atlanta Falcons and Carolina Panthers that appear to be in a rebuilding phase, maybe the Saints following suit is not unlikely.
After all, Thomas will likely not be nearly as productive with Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston throwing the ball.
While many will argue that Jackson is not a passer himself, he has shown growth over the last few seasons and appears to be taking the challenge seriously at training camp.
One thing is certain, the Ravens are one of the best teams in the AFC and continuously find themselves competing in the playoffs. If Thomas is looking for a team with some upside, Baltimore is one of his better options.
Next. Ravens: 4 players who could make their first Pro Bowl in 2021. dark
Michael Thomas could be the final piece needed for a Lamar Jackson Super Bowl berth. One that the star quarterback promised when he was drafted back in 2018.