NFL free agency isn’t over yet and there are still some elite players on the open market.
Among those free agents is veteran wide receiver Michael Thomas, who many are calling for the Kansas City Chiefs to sign.
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Thomas was previously a powerhouse in the league, posting four consecutive seasons of 1,100 yards or more to start his career with the New Orleans Saints.
However, injuries have plagued him since 2020, completely derailing his career.
Although the Chiefs have already made several offseason additions to their wide receiver room, the position has always been an issue for the team.
Kansas City has already signed Marquise Brown via free agency and Xavier Worthy with a first-round draft pick, but their rookie Rashee Rice may be unavailable due to his legal issues.
Thomas could fit in as a strong WR3 or WR4 depending on Rice’s eligibility.
CBS Sports recently ranked some of the notable remaining free agents, and Thomas made the top ten.
“Once considered one of the best starters at his position, Thomas has played just 20 games over the past four seasons.” CBS Sports wrote.
“But he was quite effective when healthy in 2023 and still has solid size as a perimeter target.”
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It’s hard not to be intrigued by Thomas’ talent. Just five seasons ago, he won Offensive Player of the Year and made the Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams.
From 2016 to 2019, he racked up 5,512 yards and 32 touchdowns as the league’s No. 1 wide receiver.
However, things got worse in 2020 after he suffered an ankle injury, which would keep him out for the entire 2021 season.
Since his Offensive Player of the Year season, Thomas has played in just 20 games, gaining 1,057 yards and scoring four touchdowns.
The 2023 season showed promise as Thomas gave fans a glimpse into the past for a short period of time.
He averaged nearly 50 yards per game and an impressive 11.5 yards per reception.
Thomas was demoted from the WR1 role after the Saints drafted Chris Olave in the 2022 NFL Draft.
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Thomas will likely never be a WR1 again, but in a lesser role for the Chiefs he could once again be a productive player.
Similar to how Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Baltimore Ravens last season, Thomas could provide a boost to the Chiefs’ wide receivers while also taking some attention away from top targets.
Now is the time for the Chiefs to go all-in as they chase the historic treble, and Thomas can help contribute to that goal.
He would only command a small one-year contract, something the Chiefs can afford.
Even if Rice is cleared to play for the Chiefs this season, taking a chance on Thomas could be a game-changer for Kansas City.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
