For a while now, it has felt as though the New Orleans Saints and wide receiver Michael Thomas are heading for a split.
Thomas has had a tough time with injuries over recent years, but he's also spilled his guts via social media and criticized the team, leaving fans with a poor taste in their mouths.
With the relationship severed, Thomas will most likely end up being cut in the near future. When he is let go, which teams make the most sense for him to sign with?
Let's take a look at four potential suitors for Thomas once the Saints wave goodbye.
1. New York Jets
This year is a pivotal one for the Jets, as they enter into the 2024 offseason feeling even more urgency than they did a year ago. Last season, it was all about gearing up for a run behind Aaron Rodgers. Once he went down for the season in Week 1, things were never the same.
But now, with Rodgers returning for the 2024 campaign, and a year older, the Jets are determined to build this thing into a contender, and fast. Garrett Wilson is a top-tier weapon in this league, already, but Rodgers could use another dependable pair of hands.
With Wilson being the alpha and the bigger play type, Thomas could offer Rodgers the sure-handed type of complimentary receiver the team is lacking. Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb were never going to mean that much to this offense, despite Rodgers having strong relationships with the two of them. Maybe, Thomas can give Rodgers a bit more of a boost. Don't count out the Jets also making another move whether it be via the draft or free agency, but Thomas could make an impact.
2. Baltimore Ravens
I know what Baltimore Ravens fans are thinking, and no, Thomas isn't my perceived solution to the team's longstanding problem of not having a true no. 1 wide receiver. He isn't going to fill that void, just like Odell Beckham Jr. was never going to fill that void when he signed a year ago.
However, Thomas could come in as that no. 3 type who simply gives Lamar Jackson a dependable pair of hands to work with. Baltimore still needs to find their alpha wideout to line up outside and allow Zay Flowers to compliment via the middle of the field and underneath. But, Thomas would fit well as that third guy in line, especially if Rashod Bateman continues not to pan out as expected.
This is a team that already runs the ball better than any team in the league, so the passing game doesn't necessarily need to be electric. Jackson does need another weapon or two, though. He's had to do too much on his own ever since entering the league, and Thomas gives him a veteran presence who, when healthy, can move the chains.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Obviously, we're going to talk about the Chiefs. Even though they are coming off their third Super Bowl victory behind the arm of Patrick Mahomes, this team desperately needs to revamp their wide receiver room. Already, Kansas City has parted ways with Marquez Valdes-Scantling. It also doesn't appear likely that Kadarius Toney is a big part of this team's future.
Rashee Rice's development, as a rookie, was a big part of why the offense was able to keep up with the Chiefs' defense. But, he needs another guy on board to help take pressure off him. Thomas could do just that, being the steady set of hands who knows how to get open and acts purely as a pass catcher.
His days of being even a slight force after the catch are done with, but Thomas' ability to catch the football remains one of his greatest strengths. And, that's an area the Chiefs struggled in last year. Fans grew incredibly tired of watching their receivers drop passes on a regular basis. If they can just get another player or two that know how to hang onto the football, that'd be a massive upgrade.
4. Atlanta Falcons
Finally, why not throw in a division rival? The Atlanta Falcons have Drake London as their clear-cut, no. 1 wide receiver. But, that's a position they'll be looking at revamping a bit, too. Van Jefferson is a free agent. Scott Miller is a free agent. Mack Hollins is a free agent. What are they going to do in order to build the depth back up behind London?
With London being the big-bodied, outside guy, Thomas might fit well as the complimentary piece who can play the slot and offer this team's next quarterback a steady set of hands. Speaking of the quarterback position, that's a big question mark. Would Thomas sign with the Falcons before knowing who his quarterback is going to be?
Knowing he gets to play the Saints twice a year might be good enough reason for Thomas to consider signing with the Falcons, regardless. He seems like the type to be motivated in that regard.
At the moment, he's still a Saint. But, when he's ultimately let go, does he find his way to any of these four teams?