The Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers could use another wide receiver, and the playoff contenders could turn to former Saints legend Michael Thomas in the playoffs. While both teams will play meaningful January football, Houston and Los Angeles could use an extra boost to upset elite AFC teams like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs. While the Chargers have made do without reliable wide receivers for the entire season, Houston desperately needs to find another receiver after losing Tank Dell to a heartbreaking knee injury.
At his best, Michael Thomas was one of the most unstoppable forces in the league. From 2017 to 2019, the former second-round pick made three Pro Bowls and two First-Team All-Pro squads while recording 378 receptions for 4,375 yards and 23 touchdowns. While most of this production came with Drew Brees, he kept his insane pace when Teddy Bridgewater filled in during the 2019 season. At the time, he appeared to be on a Hall of Fame trajectory.
Unfortunately, injuries effectively sidelined Thomas for the next three seasons and he never looked the same even when on the field. Staying mostly healthy in 2023, the wide receiver recorded 39 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown with first-year Saint Derek Carr. New Orleans had to part ways with Thomas at the end of the season, and he has yet to latch on with another team. While he’s not the player he was, the 2023 version of Thomas was still an adequate depth option and could add a boost for some receiver-needy playoff teams.
Texans, Chargers Could Sign Saints Legend
After a promising rookie season, quarterback C.J. Stroud and the Houston Texans offense took a step back in 2024. While the team has full control of the AFC South, they must find more reliable weapons to make a deep push in the playoffs. The team entered the year with arguably the deepest group of receivers in Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and veteran Stefon Diggs. Now, Collins is all that remains, as Dell and Diggs are sidelined with their respective injuries.
Perhaps the defense can carry this team to a win in the Wild Card round, but it’s hard to envision a wounded version of this offense going blow for blow with the Bills or Chiefs. Houston’s offensive line is a major liability, and they need a receiver capable of quickly getting open before the pass rush can get to Stroud. Michael Thomas isn’t the player he once was, but the veteran still knows how to run a slant and create separation off the line of scrimmage.
Supporting Herbert
Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has done a remarkable job of guiding the team to the postseason despite underwhelming weapons in the passing game. Second-round rookie Ladd McConkey is a star in the making, but the rest of the depth chart leaves something to be desired. Quentin Johnston is better in a depth role, while the rest of the wide receiver room is comprised of journeyman depth options and unremarkable young players.
Michael Thomas fits the description of “journeyman depth” at this stage in his career, but he can still be better than veterans like DJ Chark. While he won’t singlehandedly win any games, he could be good for a much-needed conversion late in a postseason contest. That alone justifies a spot on the practice squad with the potential for a postseason promotion.
Main Photo: Robert Scheer – USA Today Sports
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