3 Players the Saints Won't Be Able to Afford if They Extend Michael Thomas

New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas could be in for a big payday in the coming weeks. According to reports, Thomas and the Saints are in discussions for a new contract, as the All-Pro wideout enters the final year of his rookie deal. Considering how great he's been for the Saints since entering the league in 2016, Thomas's new deal should place him among the top-five highest paid receivers in the game.

With such a huge deal on the horizon, the Saints will likely need to cut down the roster a bit to free up some cap space. Here are three Saints players who could get cut once Thomas is locked up.

1. Safety, Chris Banjo

New Orleans Saints v Carolina Panthers / Grant Halverson

Chris Banjo has provided solid depth at safety for the Saints over the past few years. But, with an annual salary of approximately $2.3 million over the final three years of his deal, the Saints brass could see Banjo as an expendable asset. Since joining New Orleans midway through the 2016 season, he's yet to start a game at safety. His minor production during his time with the Saints should make this an easy cut after the team pays Thomas.

2. Linebacker, Craig Robertson

Atlanta Falcons v New Orleans Saints / Sean Gardner

Like Banjo, Craig Robertson has provided the Saints with solid depth at linebacker and has been a contributor on special teams. With just two years left on his current deal, Robertson is set to make a total of approximately $4 million. He's a veteran and could certainly fill in at MLB if an injury was to occur. But, Thomas's value far outweighs a backup linebacker's, and that $4 million that Robertson is set to make could be put to better use.

3. Cornerback, Patrick Robinson

Cleveland Browns v New Orleans Saints / Sean Gardner

Patrick Robinson's first year with the Saints didn't go as planned, as the nickel corner didn't record a single INT in 2018 after having his season cut short by injury. Although he still has three years left on his deal, the Saints could still cut him with minor cap casualties, and they'd save about $10 million over the next three years. Don't be shocked if Robinson gets the boot after only year in New Orleans.