The Michael Thomas era with the New Orleans Saints has ended, but that doesn’t mean the former Offensive Player of the Year is willing to call it a career just yet.
The former Ohio State product was released by the Saints this offseason in a salary cap casualty move and is coming off a fourth straight season in which he failed to play more than 10 games. Injury concerns may be a major focus for any NFL team wishing to sign him, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be organizations willing to bring him into their club.
Michael Thomas Free Agency Landing Spots
In his heyday, Thomas was one of the most consistent wide receivers in all of football. His 149 catches in 2019 set an NFL record originally made by Marvin Harrison in 2004. He also led the league in yards that same year while posting back-to-back first-team All-Pro seasons.
Since that record-breaking season, though, Thomas has struggled to stay on the field. An ankle injury caused him to miss the entire 2021 season while recording just 55 catches and over 500 yards in the last two years combined.
At 31 years old, Thomas may not be the player he once was, but he’s a quality role piece for offenses that desperately need them.
And there are plenty of those around the NFL.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia’s offense is already pretty loaded. With A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith on the outside, Dallas Goedert manning the middle, and Saquon Barkley in the backfield, the time may not be right for the organization to address the slot position.
Bringing in Thomas, though, would give the franchise a slot receiver and third option as a receiver that could change life for Brown and Smith on the outside.
Cincinnati Bengals
Speaking of a slot-needy team, the Bengals are expected to lose Tyler Boyd in free agency. Bringing in a third wide receiver to work with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins should be a focus for the team as free agency rolls on. A veteran like Thomas could be exactly what the Bengals need in the slot for the 2024 season.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Diontae Johnson is gone from the Steel City, and Pittsburgh is looking for a veteran to help George Pickens develop into a dependable person both on and off the field.
Thomas is a player who could certainly fit that role. He may not be the player he once was, but the Steelers are an organization that has had plenty of history in getting quality play out of aging players.
Miami Dolphins
Miami has a slot receiver in Jaylen Waddle already and a deep threat in Tyreek Hill. What they could really use is a third receiver who is more of a tough-catch possession guy like Thomas.
KEEP READING: Tyreek Hill Makes Viral Pitch for Michael Thomas
Miami’s offense shouldn’t miss a beat next season, and the former Saint could help them take that next step in 2024.
New Orleans Saints
A return to the Saints shouldn’t be ruled out — especially if Thomas’ asking price decreases over the next few weeks.
Most organizations make salary cap moves with players but don’t want to truly move on from them so they try and broker a deal after the player hits the open market. That could certainly happen for a Saints team that needs another quality receiver outside of Chris Olave.
Every move. Every team. Don’t miss a thing with PFN’s NFL Free Agency Tracker.