Thinking about the future with Negan minus Carl. To the show's credit, they've managed to keep their supporting villain cast, and their relationship to the survivors, interesting enough.
But if the survivors gain the upper hand, and they keep Negan alive for what would be a very inexplicable reason, who would be forming a relationship with him on the TV show?
Carl? The "immune", "bitten by dentures", and "Gimple/Riggs' Dad Hype Stunt" theories are technically still alive, but let's call this a no.
Morgan? No, he's gone after this season.
Father Gabriel? They already did that in that trailer episode. So no.
Eugene? As a resident of the Sanctuary, it's been done already. Plus they've got enough there between Eugene and Dwight. And after Abraham? No.
Rosita? After Sasha, all of a sudden she wants to hang with Negan? No.
Tara, after Denise? No.
Daryl, after dog food and Easy Street? No.
Enid, after what just happened? No.
Aaron, after Eric? No.
Ezekiel, after the Kingdom fighters getting shot up to kingdom come? No.
Carol? Michonne? Ew, and No.
Jadis? She gets to do one sculpture, and that's it. No.
Anyone from Oceanside? After taking all their men? No.
Yet we still have:
Siddiq? Returning a kindness shown by Carl to Negan? Ugh, but they could try it.
Gregory? Already groveled to the Saviors, would be expected but annoying.
Rick? after being shaken to the core so many times? He shouldn't, but they'll probably try anyway.
One of the surviving Saviors, and Negan's lieutenants? Plausible, but maybe a bit weak compared to interacting with the survivors.
Jesus? Intolerant of Gregory, not 100% in sync with Maggie. Barring his leaving the show in the back half of the season, this one could be it.
Anything I'm missing/forgetting?