Take Pressure Off Michael Thomas

The Saints have become incredibly reliant on Michael Thomas to produce and lead their passing attack. It was a dire need for New Orleans to go out and acquire a veteran receiver like Emmanuel Sanders to play alongside Thomas to help take away some of the focus from the defense.

It’s important to not overlook the extent to which Thomas was relied upon in 2019 by the Saints. He has been the most targeted receiver in the NFL over the last two seasons and last season, in particular, he received 149 targets for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns.

Not having more talent around Thomas makes it easier for opposing teams to gameplan to slow down the Saints in big moments like playoff games. It makes it more difficult for Thomas to produce than it needs to be and that puts the team’s offense more at risk as a whole.

There will be a more complete supporting cast around Thomas next season. For starters, Alvin Kamara will be healthy again and Jared Cook was productive at tight end. Adding in an established receiver that will primarily operate in the slot like Sanders will help significantly.