Jacksonville Jaguars: 3 bold trades with the Saints for WR Collin Johnson

You might have probably heard that New Orleans wide receiver Michael Thomas underwent surgery to repair ligaments in his ankle in June, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Media. The insider says that four months of recovery are recommended, which means that the All-Pro could be sidelined for weeks.

This is a big blow for New Orleans and their playoff hopes in 2021. After losing Thomas, they don’t have enough firepower to keep up with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the rest of the NFC South. The three-time Pro Bowler was by far the best wide receiver on the Saints’ roster and without him, the cupboard is bare. Heading into training camp, Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith will most likely be the top two receivers in the Big Easy. Neither of them is what you would consider a number-one.

There’s no doubt Thomas will be missed in New Orleans. If the Saints want to give quarterback Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston some weapons besides running back Alvin Kamara while also keeping their playoff hopes alive, they may need to ask for outside help. Coincidentally, the Jacksonville Jaguars could lend them a hand, as they are loaded at wide receiver.

DJ Chark has already made the Pro Bowl in 2019 and could earn his second one this year. Meanwhile, sophomore Laviska Shenault Jr. is projected to have a breakout season in 2021. If that wasn’t enough, the Jags signed Marvin Jones Jr. and Phillip Dorsett this offseason.

The Jaguars’ wide receiver unit is so crowded that could easily trade second-year wide receiver Collin Johnson and still have plenty of talent left. Furthermore, they could ask the Saints for premium compensation, as they are in need of a playmaker.

Johnson showed flashes in his rookie campaign and earned a Pro Football Focus overall grade of 73.4 in 2020, the highest among Jaguars receivers. He was endorsed by legend Jimmy Smith, who believes he’s “going to be a monster”. So what Saints players should the Jaguars inquire about? Glad you ask, here are three they could get in exchange for Johnson.