NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – AUGUST 13: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints looks on during a preseason game at Caesars Superdome on August 13, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Free agent wide receiver Michael Thomas apparently knows which team he would like to play for next.
Earlier this week, the New Orleans Saints released Thomas in a cap-saving move following a fourth straight season that was marred by injuries. Thomas spent each of his first eight seasons with New Orleans, earning three Pro Bowl nods and 2019 Offensive Player of the Year honors.
During the latest edition of the “Nightcap” podcast that he co-hosts with Pro Football Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, former Cincinnati Bengals star wide receiver Chad Johnson attempted to recruit Thomas to South Beach.
Thomas seems to be intrigued by the idea of playing for the Miami Dolphins, judging by his reaction to Johnson’s suggestion:
Yes sir , health #1 then we can pull out all the receipts. https://t.co/uoOj0xue9h
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) March 16, 2024
The Dolphins already have the league’s best receiving duo in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, but you can never have too many pass-catching weapons in today’s NFL. And a former superstar like Thomas could be a worthwhile signing on a cheap one-year “prove it” deal.
In 83 career games, the 31-year-old Thomas has 565 receptions for 6,569 yards and 36 touchdowns. Thomas helped the Saints to four straight NFC South division crowns from 2017 to 2020, getting them as far a the NFC Championship Game in 2018.
Farewell, #13. You'll forever be a Saint in our hearts. Should never have ended like this ⚜️💔 #WhoDatNation #michaelthomas pic.twitter.com/U884gKp1Uq
— Michael ⚜️💛🖤 (@mkcpapa) March 13, 2024
Thomas Was On A Hall Of Fame Trajectory Before Injuries Piled Up
Just four years ago, Thomas looked like a safe bet to one day enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In each of his first four seasons, “Can’t Guard Mike” had four straight seasons of 90-plus catches and over 1,100 receiving yards. He led the NFL in receptions in back-to-back years in 2018 and 2019, with his 149-catch total in the latter year still standing as a single-season record.
Unfortunately, the former Pro Bowler was limited to seven games in 2020 — his last year with Drew Brees. Thomas missed the entire 2021 season with an ankle injury and has been limited to 13 total games since 2022.
