Jaguars should explore trading for Michael Thomas amid Calvin Ridley suspension

While the Jacskonville Jaguars wait with bated breath for news about wide receiver Calvin Ridley’s potential reinstatement, they should take a look at other weapons they could potentially add to their offense. Michael Thomas could be available in trade, and the Jags should do due diligence. Granted, Thomas’ last three NFL seasons have been wrecked due to injuries, but let’s not forget the type of player he was fully healthy.

Thomas was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 and he was one of the most dominant receivers in the league from 2016 to 2019. In that span, he hauled in 470 receptions for 5,512 yards with 32 touchdowns on top of being named First-Team All-Pro twice and earning three Pro Bowl selections. Moreover, he set the league record for most receptions in a single season with 149 in 2019.

You could make the case that it’s not a good idea to bet on Thomas to stay healthy but his injury history might even help the Jaguars get a good deal in a trade for him. Taking a flier on a player with his talent could essentially be the same as kicking the tires on Calvin Ridley.

Think about a Jags offense that has a healthy Michael Thomas, Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, Zay Jones, and Evan Engram in the receiver’s room.  Not to mention Trevor Lawrence at quarterback and Travis Etienne at running back. Could the offense be more dangerous?

Michael Thomas could give the Jaguars offense a boost if healthy

This seems like it would be an absolute dream come true if the Jaguars could get Thomas fully healthy and both he and Ridley up to speed on the playbook and reintegrated back into playing NFL speed football.

If the Jags could pull off a trade like this and maybe pick up an offensive lineman or two in free agency, the draft would be best spent purely on upgrading some personnel on the defensive side of the ball.

If they can shed cornerback Shaq Griffin and his $11.5 million salary for the 2023 season, draft a plug-and-play cornerback, and maybe add another safety and a defensive lineman, this team could be right there at the top of the AFC pecking order pretty quickly.

This is not to say that just adding Ridley couldn’t have the same effect but who doesn’t dream of having as many weapons as possible in their lineup?  If the Jaguars could find a way to add Thomas and take a chance on him it could be an even bigger game-changer for the franchise.