Could Ravens Replace Odell Beckham Jr. With Michael Thomas?
A report from Jeremy Fowler of ESPN hints that the Baltimore Ravens could resemble and NFC Pro Bowl team from, say, 2017.
Reporting from the aftermath of the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Fowler had a dour update for anyone who invested in an Odell Beckham Jr. Ravens jersey but hinted that an equally decorated .... if not seasoned ... replacement could be on the way.
"Michael Thomas' contract with the (New Orleans) Saints is set to void, making him a free agent. A few scouts pointed out Baltimore as a good fit," Fowler declared. "The Ravens likely won't re-sign Odell Beckham Jr., and they value established veterans at the receiver position."
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To Fowler's point, Baltimore has used a flurry of first-round picks on receivers in recent years but three of their five leading receivers (Beckham, Mark Andrews, and Nelson Agholor) were all at least 28 years old. Baltimore will likely continue to seek a mix of old and new as it seeks to land an elusive championship in the extending Lamar Jackson era.
Like Beckham before him, Thomas could struggle to find lasting work despite an otherwise impressive professional resume thanks to a myriad of medical woes. The 448 yards that Thomas, a career-long Saint since entering the league as the Big Easy's second-round pick in 2016., earned last season was his best since leading the league four years prior, as a knee injury limited him to seven games.
Ankle and foot woes allowed him to dress for three games combined in 2021 and 2022 respectively and the former issue kept him out for the entire year.
Baltimore managed to be a decent relaunching pad for Beckham, who enjoyed a solid season (35 receptions, 565 yards in 14 appearances) after taking 2022 off following his Super Bowl campaign with the Los Angeles Rams. While efficient, it was hardly enough to justify the $15 million deal he was bestowed for a single season. With Baltimore's cap situation rather dicey, Thomas could well end up becoming another veteran diamond in the rough that the Ravens help rehabilitate.
