New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints have offered up the clearest signal yet that wide receiver Michael Thomas will be back with the team in 2022.

The Saints restructured Thomas’ contract and converted $14.6 million of salary into a signing bonus, allowing the team to spread the cap hit for future years, according to Mike Triplett of ESPN. If the Saints were to trade Thomas, they would be responsible for paying all the cap charges this year.

In other words, the contract restructure all but ensures that the Saints will be keeping Thomas in 2022. The decision would make no sense if they didn’t.

Thomas and the Saints had a bit of a falling out last summer over how Thomas dealt with an injury. Things are apparently going much more smoothly so far this offseason. This move is clear evidence of that as well.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Timberwolves chew up Nuggets to force Game 7
Rangers secure spot in conference finals after stunning third-period comeback over Hurricanes
Xander Schauffele makes history in first round of PGA Championship
Yankees' Hal Steinbrenner shares massive Juan Soto contract update
Steelers' Cameron Heyward addresses contract holdout
Knicks star ruled out for potential closeout game
Dodgers starter undergoes season-ending UCL surgery
Clemson’s Dabo Swinney gives smug response about not using transfer portal
Caitlin Clark's debut was most-watched WNBA game in more than 20 years
Watch: Chris Kreider's natural third-period hat trick shatters Hurricanes' comeback hopes
Veteran NFL safety will either play for this team or retire in 2024
Former Red Wings head coach linked to open NHL job
How Patriots' Drake Maye has already impressed Jacoby Brissett
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Stephen Curry among Forbes' highest-paid athletes for 2024
Steve Cohen addresses if Mets could again be trade-deadline sellers
Tiger Woods ruins strong first round with sloppy finish at PGA Championship
NFL responds to speculation about Chiefs schedule and Taylor Swift
Despite hopes for change, NASCAR championship weekend will return to Phoenix in 2025
Chiefs will achieve something not done since 1927 with 2024 schedule
Yankees' Aaron Judge comments on resurgence after bad slump