Michael Thomas, a 31-year-old former Saints wide receiver, likely has one or two productive years remaining if he stays healthy.
However, that is easier said than done, as the former NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 has only played 13 games in the last three years in New Orleans, missing the full 2021 season and finishing 2023 with only 10 games after missing three in 2022.
Thomas underwent ankle surgery and suffered a setback in 2021, causing him to miss the majority of the year after playing through it early in the season.
The following season, in 2022, he appeared in a few games before being placed on injured reserve due to a foot ailment. Despite being on a restructured contract, the veteran pass catcher suffered another separate injury, this time to his knee, which forced him to be placed on injured reserve midway through the 2023 season.
With the commencement of the offseason, the Saints made the decision to release three-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro receiver Thomas as a designated cut after June 1.
Michael Thomas Still Holds Multiple Accolades with Saints
Despite repeated injuries over the last three years, Thomas has four seasons of 1,000 yards or more for New Orleans. The former 2016 second-round choice is unquestionably past his peak, as his last excellent season was in 2019, when he led the league in most receptions in a single season with 149 and was the receptions leader twice in a row (2018-2019).
Four seasons ago, the highly recognized slot playmaker set career highs as the receiving yards leader with 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns.
Even with his talent, the veteran has baggage, as Thomas had an off-field altercation last year that resulted in an arrest rather than a punishment, which is not ideal when considering signing him.
The mix of red flags and age may be why he is still a free agent, as Thomas might be available from August through training camp and Week 1 depending on his condition while working out for teams.
Former Saints/ Steelers WR Lists Team for Michael Thomas
On the Up & Adams show with Kay Adams, veteran NFL wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders highlighted Thomas as someone to consider adding to the Steelers receiver group.
Sanders was picked in the third round by Pittsburgh in 2010, and he has spent time with the Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, and Buffalo Bills.
When asked about the other receivers opposite George Pickens, he suggested the Steelers sign free-agent WR Thomas.
On the Up & Adams show with Kay Adams, veteran NFL wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders mentioned Thomas as someone to consider adding to the Steelers receiver group.
Sanders was drafted in the third round by Pittsburgh in 2010 and has previously played for the Denver Broncos, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, and Buffalo Bills.
“I have never met a guy besides myself and Antonio Brown, who at practice every single rep is going full-speed,” he stated. “I remember a few walkthroughs in New Orleans where Mike was still running full speed. “I look at him like he’s crazy.”
Despite the experienced pass catcher’s extensive recent injury history, Sanders believes he is worth the choice for Pittsburgh to complete their receiving core.
“Obviously, Mike hasn’t been healthy, but every time I think about Mike, I think about a healthy Michael Thomas making plays.”
Top Free Agent WR Available is Former Saints’ Michael Thomas
Despite a few additions this offseason, Pittsburgh’s offense under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith lacks an established starter other than Pickens. The Steelers selected Roman Wilson in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, expecting him to compete with Calvin Austin III for the starting slot receiver position.
In free agency this offseason, Pittsburgh added several receivers, including 27-year-old Van Jefferson, 25-year-old Quez Watkins, and 26-year-old Scotty Miller.
According to Spotrac, the only wide receivers that teams may consider signing this late in the summer are Hunter Renfrow, Mecole Hardman, Russell Gage, and Jamal Agnew. The former New Orleans receiver is by far the most well-known and accomplished member of this bunch.
Aside from the Steelers, the Kansas City Chiefs, Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, Atlanta Falcons, and Baltimore Ravens are all potential contenders who could use a third or fourth veteran wide receiver like Michael Thomas on their rosters.
