One of the biggest news items of the offseason for the New Orleans Saints was the fact that star receiver Michael Thomas and the team were parting ways. Drafted to New Orleans in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Thomas became a record-setting receiver with the Saints over the course of his eight seasons. Like many NFL stories, though, things didn’t end on the best note and Thomas became a free agent this offseason.
Now, in the month of July, teams have completed their offseason programs and are preparing for training camp at the end of the month, and Michael Thomas still isn’t signed. It’s natural to wonder why Thomas has lingered in free agency so long, and what that says about his future in the league. However, looking at the circumstances, Thomas’ situation isn’t unique, and he’ll probably be signing with a team in the near future.
Michael Thomas will likely sign with a team late in the offseason
There’s no denying that Thomas’ market looks different than it would have if he became a free agent a few seasons ago. Thomas started his career with four straight seasons with more than 90 receptions and over 1,100 yards. From 2017 to 2019, he made three Pro Bowls, two All-Pro teams, was named Offensive Player of the Year, and led the league in receptions twice and once in receiving yards.
After that, things started to roll downhill. Thomas only played seven games in 2020, missed all of 2021, played just three games in 2022, and 10 games in 2023. In those 20 games, Thomas caught 95 receptions for 1,057 yards and four touchdowns. So while availability is a concern, he has been productive when on the field.
As far as Thomas not being signed yet, it shouldn’t be viewed that no team wants him. Oftentimes, when veterans enter free agency this late in their career, they typically don’t sign with teams until late in the offseason. This keeps them from going through offseason programs, and they typically find better deals as teams desperately try to fill holes right before the start of the season.
If this was a few years ago, Thomas definitely would’ve already signed a massive deal. Still, it’s safe to assume that he has interest from some teams, and will sign with one as the start of the season gets closer.
