Saints showing ultimate confidence in WR Michael Thomas
The New Orleans Saints are certainly pleased with what they saw from Chris Olave as a rookie in 2022, and Rashid Shaheed turns head as an undrafted free agent. However, when it comes to the wide receiver spot in New Orleans, it starts with Michael Thomas. Unfortunately for the Saints, the availability of Thomas has […]
The New Orleans Saints are certainly pleased with what they saw from Chris Olave as a rookie in 2022, and Rashid Shaheed turns head as an undrafted free agent. However, when it comes to the wide receiver spot in New Orleans, it starts with Michael Thomas.
Unfortunately for the Saints, the availability of Thomas has been minimal over the previous three seasons. Not only is that frustrating because Thomas hasn't been on the field but it's more trouble when figuring out what his salary has been.
Regardless of the question marks, the Saints reworked Thomas's deal to accommodate both parties, but they need a good return on the investment.
"Despite talk that Thomas could be dealt, the Saints have held onto their injury-riddled receiver, hoping he can get healthy and team with Derek Carr to form a dynamic duo they desperately need. But the timeline for Thomas’ return remains a bit of a mystery."- Mike Jones, The Athletic
Thomas had about as good of a start to his career as he could've imagined. He racked up over 1,000 yards in each of his first four seasons while registering over 100 receptions in three of them (led the NFL in receptions twice over that span). Also, he was named an All-Pro twice and a Pro Bowler three times.
Since the 2019 season ended, Thomas has only played in 10 games due to ankle and foot injuries which includes missing the entire 2021 campaign. So, regardless of the talent that Thomas has, which is elite, it doesn't matter if he's not on the field, and that's been the case far too often.
A healthy Thomas mixed with an ascending Olave and Shaheed taking the next step would give the Saints a formidable three-man attack. History says that won't be the case when it comes to Thomas on the injury front but somehow, someway, he has to debunk that.
