Two-time All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas received a one-game suspension that could oddly increase his odds of finding a new NFL home. A second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product used to be one of the game’s most productive players. From 2018 to 2019, the wideout recorded a staggering 274 receptions for 3,130 yards and 18 touchdowns while helping New Orleans become one of the most dangerous teams in the league. Unfortunately, injuries kept Thomas sidelined for most of the next three seasons and he wasn’t himself throughout his mostly-healthy 2023 season.
Given his massive cap hit, the Saints had no choice but to release Thomas following the season. While he isn’t the player he once was, the wideout still recorded a respectable 39 receptions for 448 yards and a touchdown in 10 games last year. Despite this, Michael Thomas received minimum interest on the open market, perhaps because teams knew a suspension was on the way. However, seeing as it’s only one game, he could sign at this point next week. After all, veteran contracts aren’t guaranteed after Week 1, and receiver-needy contenders like the Chargers and Ravens could be interested in his services.
Ravens, Chargers Could Sign Michael Thomas After Suspension News
The Baltimore Ravens lost Odell Beckham to the Miami Dolphins and didn’t do all that much to replace him. While former first-round pick Rashod Bateman will likely pick up most of the slack, the Ravens historically prefer to keep a veteran set of hands on the team. They don’t have one right now, as Nelson Agholor is a pure deep threat, Tylan Wallace is purely a special teams weapon, and DeVontez Walker is a fourth-round rookie. Michael Thomas won’t join the Ravens tomorrow but don’t be surprised if the former Saint heads to Baltimore once his suspension is over.
Given his injury history, no team in the league should want to include too many guarantees in Thomas’ contract. However, an incentive-laden one-year deal could make sense for both sides. Following his suspension, Michael Thomas could have a chance to restore his reputation in a great offense and cash in next year, while the Ravens are protected if Thomas gets hurt again or doesn’t have anything left in his tank.
Help Wherever They Can Find It
The Los Angeles Chargers want to win games by running the football, but they’ll still need some type of passing attack to keep up with the AFC’s elite offenses. Justin Herbert is an elite quarterback, but nobody can do it by themselves. Perhaps second-round pick Ladd McConkey can make an impact right away and 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston can overcome his disastrous rookie season, but those are two very big ‘ifs’. Once Michael Thomas finishes his suspension, don’t be surprised if the Chargers bring him in for a visit.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh believes in long, sustained drives, and Thomas’ style of play should be a perfect fit for that style of offense. Michael Thomas is no longer a 120-catch player, but the veteran could be a poor man’s version of Michael Crabtree from Harbaugh’s 49ers teams. If nothing else, Thomas can provide a steadying veteran presence for the two youngsters in McConkey and Johnston.
Main Photo: Marc Lebryk – USA Today Sports
