Ravens Rumors: Baltimore Signs Three-Time Pro Bowl WR in Free Agency?
While the Baltimore Ravens could be losing one high-profile wide receiver in free agency, they could be replacing him with another.
On Sunday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Baltimore "likely won't re-sign Odell Beckham Jr." and cited others who said long-time New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas might be his replacement.
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Like Beckham, Thomas also enters free agency at the beginning of the new league year on March 13 after the Saints void his current deal.
Like OBJ, Thomas is a big-name guy at the position. Drafted by the Saints in the second round in 2016, Thomas hasn't reached his potential in New Orleans because of injuries - missing the entire 2021 season with an ankle.
But the former Ohio State Buckeyes pass catcher is a three-time Pro Bowler (2017, 2018, 2019) and a two-time first-team All-Pro. Thomas was named the 2019 AP Offensive Player of the Year when he registered career highs with 149 catches, 1,725 yards and averaged 107.8 yards per game. He also tied his career mark with nine touchdowns.
Over his eight-year career, Thomas has registered 565 catches on 743 targets for 6,569 yards and 36 touchdowns over 83 games.
Spotrac projects the 31-year-old's free-agent deal to be worth $9.2 million for a one-year deal. NFL teams might be leary to offer Thomas more than one or two seasons because of his recent injury history - playing in just 20 games over the last four years.
His role with the Ravens could likely be much different than it was in New Orleans. Thomas probably wouldn't see many double teams because of the presence of Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews. He was expected to carry the Saints' offense and that would not be the case in Baltimore.
He'd also be playing with an elite quarterback in Lamar Jackson. Thomas found his most success in New Orleans when Drew Bress was throwing to him.
If the Ravens choose to go the Thomas way in free agency, it could be just what both the player and the team need.
