Michael Thomas Progressing After Knee Injury, But Future Uncertain With New Orleans Saints
INDIANAPOLIS -- The end of an era feels like it is near for the long-standing Saints wideout just based on his contract details. Thomas is widely expected to become a free agent this offseason. Of course the New Orleans Saints are not about to rule out any possibilities, however unlikely.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs after a pass reception against the Minnesota Vikings.
Jan 5, 2020; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs after a pass reception against Minnesota Vikings strong safety Andrew Sendejo (34) during the first quarter of a NFC Wild Card playoff football game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Saints head coach Dennis Allen confirmed that Thomas would not have been ready to return to play even if the team had made the postseason in 2023. Despite that, he said that all of the information he has been receiving from the training staff about the wide receiver’s health has been positive and trending in the right direction.
This means that whether or not Thomas returns or hits free agency this offseason, he sounds like he is on track to give it another go in 2024 after injuries have derailed his otherwise sky-high potential. At the moment, we expect that Thomas will be giving that go in a different jersey.
The Saints enter the offseason with two wide receivers officially under contract, top pass-catcher Chris Olave and second-year wideout A.T. Perry. The team also has an easy path to retaining All-Pro returner Rashid Shaheed who has developed well into a dynamic threat as a pass-catcher. The team will certainly be in the market for more talent at the position, but it is safe to say that even without Thomas they have a talented trio to build around.
