Sean Payton effectively spiked a report that the New Orleans Saints could be willing to move record-setting wide receiver Michael Thomas before the NFL’s Nov. 3 trade deadline.
NBC’s Pro Football Talk website reported over the weekend that “some in league circles” believe the Saints would consider dealing the three-time Pro Bowler “and/or that Thomas could be interested in moving.” He hasn’t played since Week 1 because of ankle and hamstring injuries. He also got into an altercation with a teammate during practice earlier this month while working his way back to the active roster.
Payton responded to a tweet referencing the “insider” report by writing on Twitter: “Insiders on the Outside where they belong.”
The 27-year-old Thomas set an NFL record last season with 149 receptions, and he also led the league with 1,725 receiving yards.
Thomas is in the second year of a five-year, $100 million contract extension, with $61 million guaranteed. A trade would result in the Saints taking a salary cap hit of $20 million.