The New Orleans Saints had expectations to win the NFC South in 2023.
That never happened, although they did finish 2nd in the division at 9-8.
Better wide receiver play is one of the many things that could’ve propelled the Saints past the Buccaneers last season.
Unfortunately for them, Michael Thomas wasn’t available when he was needed most.
The Saints are expected to release him, per Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune via Dov Kleiman.
𝐑𝐞𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭: #Saints are expected to release WR Michael Thomas soon, per @JeffDuncan_ pic.twitter.com/7n40qchAf8
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) March 7, 2024
The often-injured Thomas appeared in ten games last year.
In that span, he had 448 yards on 39 receptions and a lone touchdown.
There was hope among Saints fans that a healthy Michael Thomas could be a solid running-mate for 2nd-year receiver Chris Olave.
A lingering knee injury for Thomas ensured the duo never reached those expectations.
Thomas’s fall from grace has been difficult to watch.
He flourished with Drew Brees, starting his career with four straight 1,000+ yard receiving seasons.
This included his infamous 2019 campaign where he set the record for receptions in a season with 149.
Since then, his career has been riddled with injuries.
Thomas has failed to surpass 500 receiving yards in each of the last three seasons he’s played.
While the Saints will refresh their receiving corps a bit, Thomas will try to find a second wind with another franchise.
NEXT: Saints Pro-Bowl Defender Agrees To Restructure Contract