3 teams who should make a trade offer for Michael Thomas

2. New England Patriots

When a talented player might be on the outs with his current team (see Randy Moss, etc.), the New England Patriots can never be ruled out. Armed with the ability to take on some money this year ($22.86 million in cap space right now), and in a very good position cap-wise looking to next year even with a lower cap coming, just a hint that someone like Thomas is available has to be perking up ears in Foxboro.

With a rapidly aging Julian Edelman and an underachieving N’Keal Harry leading the way, the Patriots could use some reinforcements at wide receiver. The offense this year is naturally a little bit run-oriented with Cam Newton under center, but the passing game weapons leave a lot to be desired.

With what went on with a teammate a few weeks ago, Thomas’ fit into “The Patriot Way” might be a question. But he was not a known problem child before that, and it’s worth considering he has had some frustration over his ankle injury that left him with a shorter fuse. That doesn’t excuse punching a teammate, no matter what they said or did, but it is a possible explanation for the incident. The Patriots could go through back channels to talk to Thomas’ agent and get some insight, toeing the line of tampering, then go to the Saints with a trade offer that fits what they find.