As contenders prepare for the playoff stretch, interest in players like free agent wide receiver Michael Thomas could begin to emerge. A second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Thomas used to be the most unstoppable weapon in the short and intermediate parts of the field. Following an impressive 1,100-yard rookie season, the Ohio State product recorded three impressive campaigns, leading the league in receptions and yardage while earning consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2017 to 2019. At the time, the wide receiver looked like he’d dominate the game for years to come.
Unfortunately, that was not to be, as the Saints homegrown talent missed most of the next three seasons to injury. While he played 10 games in 2023, he wasn’t the same and recorded 39 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown. While he’s not the player he once was, Thomas can still help the right team in a depth role. While nobody took a risk on him before now, the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers could sign Michael Thomas as a free agent with the trade deadline passed.
Chiefs, Chargers Could Sign Free Agent Michael Thomas
The Kansas City Chiefs knew they needed a wide receiver at the trade deadline, and landed one of the best available options in DeAndre Hopkins. While he is on the older side, the three-time First-Team All-Pro still has something in his tank. The wide receiver developed an immediate chemistry with star quarterback Patrick Mahomes, recording eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns in just his second game with the team. Hopkins fills a major need on this roster, but they should still use Thomas.
Hopkins is at his best making plays downfield while using his size and strength to outmuscle defenders at the catch point. A player like this has plenty of value, but Kansas City could still use a short option who can move the sticks with ease. Michael Thomas excels in this role, as the free agent knocks how to quickly beat press coverage and separate right after the snap. With first-round pick Xavier Worthy struggling to find consistency, someone must step up as the third option in this passing attack. Thomas is the best remaining choice for the job and his skillset makes him a solid choice for the vacated Rashee Rice role.
More Help For Herbert
One year after finishing with an abysmal 5-11 record, head coach Jim Harbaugh and quarterback Justin Herbert have the Los Angeles Chargers in the thick of the playoff hunt. Harbaugh’s defense is playing like one of the best units in the league, while Herbert has played MVP-caliber football for the better part of a month. Second-round pick Ladd McConkey looks like a real deal, and his breakout combined with the solid play of second-year pro Quentin Johnston may have been why the team didn’t trade for a wide receiver.
You can see why a run-first coach like Jim Harbaugh wouldn’t give up a draft pick for a depth wide receiver, but nothing is stopping him from signing Michael Thomas as a free agent. Even with McConkey and Johnston, this team needs another set of hands. Josh Palmer isn’t a fit for offensive coordinator Greg Roman and Jalen Reagor should never see targets. Thomas might not be an All-Pro caliber player anymore, but he could provide some support for an offense that could use more pass-catching depth.
Main Photo: Jenna Watson – USA Today Sports
