The free agent wide receiver market is heating up, and two-time All-Pro Michael Thomas could find a new team before long. The former second-round pick is a shell of his former self, as age and injuries have prevented him from recapturing his early career magic. With that disclaimer out of the way, the 2023 season proved he can still play at an NFL level. Appearing in 13 games while making 10 starts, the Ohio State product finished the season with 39 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown on 64 targets.
This isn’t game-changing production by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s similar to what Odell Beckham did with the Baltimore Ravens. The former first-round pick recently signed a modest one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins, and Thomas should secure a similar contract. The only question is which teams make the most sense for Michael Thomas as a free agent.
5 Teams Who Could Sign Free Agent Michael Thomas
Baltimore Ravens
Odell Beckham didn’t justify his massive one-year deal during his lone season in Baltimore, but the former first-round pick did his job as the veteran third option in the offense. Now that the wideout is in Miami, somebody else must fill that role. Perhaps Rashod Bateman can bounce back from his disappointing 2023, but Michael Thomas makes plenty of sense as a free agent. The former Saints legend may not be the player he once was, but he can still be a plug-and-play starter behind Mark Andrews and Zay Flowers.
Kansas City Chiefs
The NFL has yet to suspend wide receiver Rashee Rice, but it’s safe to assume we won’t see him for a while. With the former second-round pick out of the picture, Kansas City’s wide receiver depth chart is headlined by Marquise Brown, a first-year Chief, and rookie Xavier Worthy. While those two both possess plenty of upside, the Chiefs could use a safe, low-risk free agent signing like Michael Thomas. The wideout isn’t capable of another 100-catch season, but he’s considerably better than Skyy Moore and Kadarius Toney.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Pittsburgh Steelers wanted Courtland Sutton or DK Metcalf, and right now, they’re settling for Scotty Miller. Miller is a fine deep threat who can battle with Quez Watkins for a depth role, but this team still needs a short and intermediate threat capable of moving the chains. Micahel Thomas is the best one left on the free agent market and should be a welcome addition to Russell Wilson’s offense.
Los Angeles Chargers
After losing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams during the offseason, Los Angeles is bringing in just about every wide receiver with a pulse. The team selected three receivers during the 2024 NFL Draft, signed DJ Chark shortly thereafter, and brought in Marquez Valdes-Scantling for a free agent visit. While Chark and Valdes-Scantling are deep threats who could take Josh Palmer’s job, the Chargers could use an intermediate threat to replace Keenan Allen. In theory, Ladd McConkey could fill this void, but Michael Thomas is a safe free agent signing in case the Georgia product needs time to adjust to the NFL.
Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb is a superstar, but somebody else must step up in this offense. With age catching up to Brandin Cooks and Michael Gallup on the Raiders, quarterback Dak Prescott could use another reliable option in the passing game. Seeing as Jerry Jones seems unwilling to spend big money, Michael Thomas could be the best cost-effective free agent signing left.
Main Photo: Marc Lebryk – USA Today Sports
