3 possible landing spots for ex-Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas

For the first time in his eight seasons in the NFL, former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is exploring free agency. The NFL's single-season receptions record holder has endured four straight campaigns that, due to injuries, were cut short or ended before they could even begin. He never quite worked his way into head coach Dennis Allen's favor, and he now has the opportunity to join a team with a staff that wants him there.

There are three teams that make ideal suitors for Thomas. All three are teams with needs for either an experienced veteran or a surehanded possession guy as the third option. Most importantly about these spots is that he wouldn't have the pressure of being the top target. Let’s take a look at those three teams.

The Dolphins could be a landing spot for Michael Thomas

The Dolphins are the most common suitor connected to Thomas' name, and it makes sense. The two primary wide receivers they already have — Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle — are both speedsters, and Thomas would contrast as a bigger-bodied possession-catch X receiver in their WR3 slot. With River Cracraft and Braxton Berrios as the next-best options, Thomas would be a clear upgrade and the Dolphins could land him at an affordable price tag.

With his salary falling to just $1.165 million for the 2023 season from the Saints, the Dolphins' nearly-$13.6 million in cap space for 2024 is plenty to get him down to South Beach. Between the allure of being in Miami, playing on a star-studded roster for a coach on the rise, and a role better suited to this point in his career, Thomas could be lured in with a 1-year, $1.3 million deal. That would put him on par with New England's Jalen Reagor and Atlanta's Khadarel Hodge, who are also serving in WR3 roles.