The Kansas City Chiefs are once again in the wide receiver market, and Michael Thomas might be the best free remaining for this team. Wide receiver was probably the biggest need on the 2023 roster and, on paper, the team addressed the issue over the past few months. After signing Marquise Brown and trading up for first-round pick Xavier Worthy, the Chiefs have four reliable receiving weapons when everyone is on the field. However, Rashee Rice will face a major suspension for his offseason of crime and Worthy is already battling a hamstring injury.
Worthy’s hamstring injury is not believed to be serious, but it serves as a strong reminder about the importance of depth on the roster. If he goes down, then Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore have a clear path to the field. With this in mind, Bleacher Report believes Kansas City should sign Michael Thomas as a free agent.
The Chiefs were one of several teams that receiver Zay Jones recently visited before signing with the Cardinals. They could shift their sights to Michael Thomas. If anyone can help him get back to his former glory, it’s Reid and Mahomes.
Chiefs Want to Sign Free Agent Michael Thomas
The days of Thomas being an elite receiver are probably gone forever. Nobody could cover the former second-round pick from 2018 to 2019, as he recorded a staggering 274 receptions for 3,130 yards and 18 touchdowns while earning First-Team All-Pro honors in both seasons. Unfortunately, Michael Thomas spent the next four years battling injury, forcing the Saints to make him a free agent following an unremarkable 2023.
While he’s not the player he once was, Thomas proved he can still be a serviceable depth option in the right offense. Appearing in 10 games, the wideout finished the season with 39 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown on 64 targets. While he certainly won’t break the bank, Michael Thomas could be a smart free agent signing for the Chiefs or any other team looking for more depth at the receiver position.
Other Potential Fits
Baltimore Ravens
Historically speaking, the Baltimore Ravens like having proven veterans as a part of their passing attack. Odell Beckham filled that role last year, as the three-time Pro Bowler helped Lamar Jackson win MVP honors for the second time. With the former first-round pick now in Miami, Michael Thomas could fill his role as a free agent. Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews will be the featured parts of this attack, but Thomas can compete with Rashod Bateman for a depth role.
Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have a series of young, exciting playmakers in Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Trey McBride. What they lack, however, is a proven veteran to help these youngsters adjust to life in the NFL. Michael Thomas is perhaps the most experienced name on the free agent market, and he can help teach these young players the ropes while also providing Kyler Murray with a reliable underneath target.
Carolina Panthers
The one good decision the Panthers made in 2023 was signing veteran Adam Thielen. While the season was largely a disaster, the aging wideout proved to be the only reliable target in the passing game. In 2024, Michael Thomas can fill a similar role as a free agent. Carolina added Diontae Johnson and first-round pick Xavier Legette to complement Thielen, but they could still use another set of hands. After all, Jonathan Mingo showed nothing as a rookie and the team will probably cut Terrace Marshall.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers could use anybody with a working set of hands. Rookie Ladd McConkey should contribute right away, but the rest of the depth chart leaves something to be desired. Los Angeles threw multiple darts at the position with two seventh-round receivers and free agent D.J. Chark, but their work is not done. Michael Thomas is a perfect free agent fit for this team, as his ability to quickly get open should pair well with Greg Roman’s scheme.
Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb is one of the best wide receivers in the game, but Dallas needs another set of hands. Brandin Cooks started to slow down last year, and at his age, he’ll only get worse with time. Michael Thomas shouldn’t break the bank as a free agent, which is good news for Jerry Jones. After all, after this season, the Cowboys will need to find a way to sign Lamb, Dak Prescott, and Micah Parsons to market-setting contracts.
Main Photo: Jenna Watson – USA Today Sports
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