The Chicago Bears are expected to be the NFL’s big spenders in the 2023 off-season.

The Bears have plenty of holes across its roster, but the deficiency at the wide receiver position plagued Chicago this season. Drafting Velus Jones Jr. and trading for Chase Claypool has yet to pay dividends for the Bears, which puts the team in the market for a big-name pass catcher this spring.

One solution to Justin Fields’ problems might have presented itself on Saturday.

The New Orleans Saints and star receiver Michael Thomas reworked his contract, paying him over $900,000 during the final week of the regular season, per ESPN's Field Yates.

The Saints and WR Michael Thomas agreed to a reworked contract that includes a $903K payment for him this week and sets the stage for the team to make a decision on his future early in the offseason. Details: https://t.co/TRGovlvmTz

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 7, 2023

This move indicates that the two will likely part ways at the conclusion of the season, whether that be by trade or by New Orleans releasing him. With the value that Thomas holds a trade seems most likely.

Can't Guard Mike

When healthy, Thomas is one of the NFL’s most reliable receivers. He has three Pro Bowls to his name, receiving All-Pro honors twice since being drafted in 2016. Thomas’ best season as a pro came in 2019, when he led the league in receptions (149) and receiving yards (1,725), earning the Offensive Player of the Year Award.

Underrated trade option for the bears: Michael Thomas
– Saints need to get rid of his contract, bears have insane amount of cap space available
– Just a couple years ago was one of the best WR’s in the nfl, and could be the true #1 receiver the bears need

Thoughts?

— Lavine_X_Fields (@Lavine_x_Fields) January 7, 2023

The problem is that Thomas hasn’t been healthy. He’s played in just 10 games over the last three seasons, having suffered a litany of lower body injuries.

Recent injury troubles could water down the asking price if the Saints elect to trade him. Fields could benefit from a wide receiver who does most of his work running short and intermediate routes.

There will be plenty of avenues that general manager Ryan Poles can explore in order to fix this glaring roster deficiency. When dealing with a player of Thomas' caliber, Poles should at least kick the tires on one of the game's most dynamic wideouts.

Featured image via Brett Davis – USA TODAY Sports