Michael Thomas (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
A fascinating AFC team has been floated as a possible landing spot for free agent wide receiver Michael Thomas.
The New Orleans Saints released Michael Thomas earlier this offseason in a cap-saving move following an eight-year run with the franchise. The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year missed the entire 2021 season and was limited to 20 games over the 2020, 2022 and 2023 campaigns.
Nearly four months after he was released by New Orleans, “Can’t Guard Mike” remains a free agent. Surely, it’s only a matter of time until somebody takes a chance on the three-time Pro Bowler.
Bleacher Report suggested the Denver Broncos sign Michael Thomas, citing the latter’s working history with head coach Sean Payton. Thomas and Payton were together for six seasons (2016 to 2021) in New Orleans.
Denver traded their No. 1 wide receiver, Jerry Jeudy, to the Cleveland Browns for a pair of late-round picks. Their current WR1, Courtland Sutton, has just one 1,000-yard season under his belt (back in 2019).
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In 10 games last season, Michael Thomas caught 39 passes for 448 yards and one touchdown. For his career, the Ohio State product has 565 receptions for 6,569 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Broncos Should Take A Flier On Michael Thomas
The Broncos wouldn’t be able to rely on Thomas staying healthy and returning to his All-Pro form, but he could be a useful piece in Denver’s offense that lacks proven pass-catchers outside of Sutton and free agent signing Josh Reynolds.
If he were to stay healthy in Denver, Thomas could still put up something in the 700-800-yard range. That would be enough for a rebuilding Bronco team that will either go with Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson or Bo Nix as its starting QB.
The Broncos will kick off their 2024 season on Sept. 8 with a road contest against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
NFC Team Lands Broncos Star WR Courtland Sutton In Massive Trade Proposal Would Make Them Legit Contenders
Courtland Sutton (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos star wide receiver Courtland Sutton has been widely mentioned in trade rumors dating back to last year, but GM George Paton has yet to receive an offer for his liking.
The Broncos commenced their overhaul on offense by releasing quarterback Russell Wilson and by trading wide receiver Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns for two late-round picks. If they want to continue loading up on picks, Paton should continue to gauge the mark for Courtland Sutton.
Mike Klis of 9News reported earlier this week that the Broncos have “no plans to trade” Sutton. But of course, it just takes one can’t-refuse offer from a rival GM that could convince Denver to make the move.
While most playoff contenders are set at receiver, there’s one mushy middle team that could use Courtland Sutton’s services. That club would be the New Orleans Saints, who still need depth at wideout after releasing former Pro Bowler Michael Thomas in a cap-saving move.
The Saints signed edge rusher Chase Young and used their first two selections on Oregon State offensive tackle Taliese Fuaga and Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. Those are clear indicators that the Saints are still trying to be a playoff team in 2024, even though they’ve missed the postseason in three straight years now.
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Derek Carr struggled with consistency last season, and that was largely due to the lack of receiving depth after Chris Olave and Rashi Shaheed. Bringing in a consistent 1,000-yard threat like Sutton just might help this New Orleans offense reach its ceiling once and for all.
What Saints Should Offer Broncos For Courtland Sutton
Considering Denver only got 2024 fifth and sixth-round picks for Jerry Jeudy (four years younger than Courtland Sutton), the Saints should be able to get the veteran wideout at a very reasonable price.
New Orleans should offer Denver a 2025 third-round pick and wide receiver A.T. Perry in exchange for Sutton. Trading him would dent Denver’s receiver depth, but Perry could be a useful piece in Sean Payton’s offense after tallying three TDs over his final two games as a rookie.
