This seems like a crazy idea, but what if the New Orleans Saints brought back Michael Thomas?
The Saints wide receiver room is lead by Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. They're both quality receivers, but the Saints need a player who can fill the role of a bigger bodied receiver. There's a player on the market who has the percise skillset the Saints are looking for, Michael Thomas.
With the need at wide receiver so apparent, New Orleans shouldn't leave any stone unturned. In Kellen Moore's history, his best receiver has been a bigger receiver on each team.
In Moore's last stop with the Philadelphia Eagles, the passing attack was led by A.J. Brown. Brown isn't towering height-wise, but he is a solid 226 pounds, has good height and plays like a tank. Brown isn't tall, but he's physically imposing nonetheless. Keenan Allen and Amari Cooper weigh less than Brown, but they are taller than him. Michael Thomas gives you a good blend of size and weight
Michael Thomas would be stepping into a different role
A natural response to the idea of bringing back Thomas is, he isn't the player he used to be. The thing is the Saints don't need him to be. New Orleans is looking for a complimentary piece to their lead receivers, not an Offensive Player of the Year. Moore needs a big body who can operate in the short to intermediate range and in the middle of the field. Thomas clearly wasn't the same post-injury, but he showed the ability to do that when he was on the field.
They recently signed Donovan Peoples-Jones after a tryout at rookie minicamp. Peoples-Jones is a contender to fill this role. He has upside, but it's far from a superstar signing.
Peoples-Jones last played in the league in 2023, same as Thomas. However, he spent last year on a practice squad, and Thomas wasn't on a team. You have to wonder what kind of football shape he's in. If he is in shape to be brought in to training camp, the Saints should consider it.
The biggest obstacles for a return are gone
Thomas' biggest obstacle to a return to footbal is his health. He hasn't been able to play a full season since 2020. While he hasn't officially retired, there has been no rumblings of Thomas working out or attempting a return.
The presence of Dennis Allen and Derek Carr seemed to be potential obstacles for a return to New Orleans. There was clear tension between Thomas and his former head coach and quarterback. As a wide receiver, it's hard to return under those circumstances. Thomas likely wouldn't even want to return if either of those two were there.
The biggest question around a player who has been out of the league is health. The role is low pressure, but Thomas may not be ready for any role. It wouldn't hurt to inquire though.