For a four-season stretch, a strong argument could be made that Michael Thomas was the best wide receiver in the NFL. He burst onto the scene in 2016 as a second-round pick out of Ohio State by the New Orleans Saints.
In his rookie season, Michael Thomas was targeted 121 times, catching 92 passes for 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns. He followed that season up by making the Pro Bowl three straight years with two All-Pro First-Team nominations as well.
Those four years were capped off with an Offensive Player of the Year award-winning campaign in 2019. Michael Thomas caught a record-setting 149 passes for 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns.
In his first four seasons in the NFL, Michael Thomas caught nine touchdowns three times, led the league in receptions twice and yardage once. It was a truly dominant stretch, but the last three seasons have been a total 180-degree turn.
Injuries have derailed the star receiver as he has appeared in only 10 games from 2020-2022, missing the entire 2021 season because of an ankle injury. Set to hit free agency, Michael Thomas makes for one of the most intriguing targets on the market.
We know how dominant he can be, but it has been four years since he has consistently produced at that level. In three games in 2022, we saw glimpses of that domination, as he scored three touchdowns.
Who could be willing to take a chance on him in free agency? Seth Trachtman of YardBarker believes it will be the New England Patriots who end up taking the plunge with Michael Thomas this offseason.
In desperate need of a wide receiver upgrade, Michael Thomas could be the perfect addition to this offense. Mac Jones’ development stalled in Year 2, so upgrading the talent around him and having Bill O’Brien back as offensive coordinator could be what Jones needs to get back on track.
About to hit the wrong side of 30, there are certainly risks in bringing Michael Thomas in. But, the reward would be worth it, especially if New England can obtain him for cheap.
