BREAKING NEWS: Broncos to Sign WR star player $96 Million deal
The Denver Broncos are experiencing a streak that no NFL team desires: they haven’t had a wide receiver surpass the 1,000-yard mark since 2019. Consequently, the Broncos are open to exploring all options for the position. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox suggests that one such option should be signing free-agent wide receiver Michael Thomas
Knox explains, “The Denver Broncos are a logical fit for Thomas for a few reasons. Firstly, Denver’s coaching staff includes former Saints head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael. Secondly, the team is focused on developing rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Lastly, beyond Courtland Sutton and new addition Josh Reynolds, the Broncos lack proven talent at receiver. While Thomas might not be highly prolific in Denver, he could help Nix get comfortable with Payton’s offense.”
Thomas, a two-time NFL All-Pro, has faced difficulties in recent years, including not playing a full season since being named NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 with the Saints under Payton. A move to the AFC and reuniting with his former head coach might be the fresh start the 31-year-old needs to revive his career.
Thomas’ Domination Led to Massive Payday
Michael Thomas made an immediate impact in the NFL after being selected in the second round of the 2016 draft by the New Orleans Saints. The Ohio State alum started his career with four straight seasons surpassing 1,000 receiving yards, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 2017 to 2019, and leading the league in receptions in both 2018 and 2019.
In 2019, Thomas signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension, with $61 million guaranteed, making it the largest contract for a wide receiver at the time. He followed this up with a historic season, setting an NFL single-season record with 145 receptions, alongside 1,725 receiving yards and 9 touchdowns.
Thomas holds the NFL records for most receptions in the first five seasons of a career (510) and most receiving yards in the first four seasons (5,512). His 2019 performance earned him the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award, making him the first wide receiver to win the honor since Jerry Rice of the San Francisco 49ers in 1993.
Where Did Things Go Wrong for Thomas?
Since the end of the 2019 season, Michael Thomas has played in just 20 games, missing the entire 2021 season due to ankle surgery. His time away from the field has been marked by several unusual incidents, including being fined for punching a teammate during practice in 2020 and facing misdemeanor charges for simple battery and criminal mischief in 2023 after allegedly throwing a brick through a construction worker’s truck windshield.
In 2023, Thomas managed to play in 10 games for the Saints, his highest single-season total since 2019, recording 39 receptions for 448 yards, also his best since 2019. Despite restructuring his contract to lower his salary from $15 million to $10 million, Thomas was released by the Saints in March 2024.