The Carolina Panthers or Kansas City Chiefs may pursue reception leader free agent wide receiver, Michael Thomas this upcoming regular season. According to a source, the NFL is suspending the veteran wideout for one week which means he could sign soon with a roster once he’s available. The Ohio State product was one of the more productive receivers in the league leading the NFL in receptions in 2019 notching 274 receptions for 3,130 yards and 18 touchdowns. However, injuries have been hindering his ability to come back on the field in the last three seasons where he wasn’t himself in his last season campaign with the Saints in 2023.
New Orleans is in cap hell so they couldn’t afford to give Thomas any more money but they didn’t see him in the team’s long-term plans. Thomas was able to still record 39 receptions for 448 yards and a touchdown in 10 games despite not being the same player he was. He could probably benefit from a change of scenery and the Chiefs might be his next destination if Kansas City is looking for emergency depth. However, they were able to address the wideout position after bringing back JuJu Smith-Schuster but releasing Kadarius Toney still leaves a hole that Marquise Brown left.
The wideout position isn’t the biggest need for the Chiefs since they still have Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice but it’s concerning the lack of depth behind them. Rookie Xavier Worthy needs more time to adjust and guys like Mecole Hardman and Skyy Moore don’t have the potential yet to last a full season. Carolina is probably looking to add a wideout to replace Adam Thielen since he’s getting older. Thomas may not win the starting role but some relief could help keep the offense stabilized.
Panthers, Chiefs May Pursue Reception Leader Free Agent Michael Thomas
Other Potential Destinations
Baltimore Ravens
After losing Odell Beckham Jr. this past offseason, the Ravens didn’t do much as a viable replacement for him. Nelson Agholor is a short-term solution while Thomas isn’t the long-term answer either, it gives Baltimore another rotational piece as a boost. It seems like the Ravens will keep a veteran on the roster if not just for a year to help Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman as the No. 3 receiver. However, don’t expect Bateman to be much of a contribution since he didn’t have much of a great season last year with the Ravens.
They’re expecting him to pick up the slack but Thomas should be able to assist Agholor in the slot passing game. It won’t be perfect the first few games but it gives the Ravens something to work with while rookie DeVontez Walker is learning.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are focusing on the running game but they still have some troubles with the wide receiver depth despite signing DJ Chark and drafting rookie Ladd McConkey. However, Justin Herbert is a top-five quarterback so he needs some type of passing attack to help move this offense this season. Perhaps, Quentin Johnston can get over the slump but don’t expect that to happen this year since he may become a trade candidate soon. It shouldn’t surprise many if the Chargers immediately sign Thomas to a one-year deal to represent some veteran insurance behind Joshua Palmer, McConkey and Johnston.
Dallas Cowboys
Next to the Chargers, the Cowboys have a weak side to their receiving corps after CeeDee Lamb. Brandin Cooks can only go as far as he can stay healthy; given his age, don’t expect him to last very long. However, Jalen Tolbert shows some promise but no one should expect him to make a big impact, especially since it’ll be his first start this year. Thomas won’t change much about the offense but is an easy slot target to get some yardage and be another reliable weapon for Dak Prescott.
