Three former Saints who have floundered in 2024

The New Orleans Saints, like many other teams, have had plenty of players come and go. However, not all the guys that go, have the same success that they did when they were in the Big Easy. Let's take a gander at three guys who have struggled with their new teams in 2024.

Andrus Peat

Andrus Peat was a first round draft pick by the New Orleans Saints back in 2015, and he formed into a very nice piece of the Saints' offensive line. Peat, who was known for his speed on the offensive line, as well as the ability to play guard or tackle, played a major role in the resurgence of the Saints that made the playoffs multiple years in a row.

He played a pivotal role on the Saints' offensive line for nine years, departing from the team this past offseason and signing a contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Needless to say, that hasn't panned out the way he was hoping. Peat has only made one start for the Raiders all season, and has only played a total of 57 offensive snaps. Peat is a three-time Pro Bowler, and for him to be a backup on an offensive line that has a combined one Pro Bowl isn't a super great look.

Marcus Maye

Marcus Maye played safety alongside Tyrann Mathieu for the Saints for two seasons (2022, 2023) and he was pretty productive for the team logging 97 tackles, two interceptions, and five passes defended in that span. Maye had some off-the-field issues, that resulted in a suspension during his time with the team, and that doesn't really factor into the Saints' mold. That likely played a part in the two sides' decision to part ways, but maybe it had something to do wit his on-field performance.

Marcus Maye signed with the Miami Dolphins this past offseason, and hasn’t done much, to say the least. He primarily plays on special teams and has only started three games all season, despite being healthy for all 11 games the Dolphins have played. Maye has yet to record an interception, and he's only deflected one pass all season.

He was recently waived by the Dolphins, and claimed by the Los Angeles Chargers. He’ll now look for a bigger role in L.A.

Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas was a superstar wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints, and at one point in his career was perceived to be the best receiver in the entire league. Thomas, to say the least, was spoiled by having Drew Brees as his quarterback and when times got tough, Thomas did absolutely nothing to support his team.

The relationship between Thomas and the Saints certainly got rocky in the post Brees/Payton era, and his social media presence and lack of effort and support for his teammates is likely why he's a 31 year old free agent with over 550 receptions and 6,500 yards in his career. Thomas may tell you he's waiting for the right opportunity, but in reality, he's likely getting very little to no interest due to being such a poor teammate with the Saints.

It's safe to say that when Michael Thomas was released by the Saints he felt he would get offers right away. Now that it's been nearly a full season and he still hasn't signed, especially considering how many WR needy teams there are, we may have seen the last of Michael Thomas in an NFL unform.

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