Saints Expected to Release Michael Thomas Ahead of Free Agency, per Report

Free agency is set to start Wednesday.

The New Orleans Saints are expected to release wide receiver Michael Thomas ahead of the start of NFL free agency on Wednesday, according to Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune. 

Thomas, 31, was once a premiere wide receiver in the NFL but in recent years he’s struggled to stay on the field and when he has, he’s looked like a shell of his former All-Pro self. Since setting the NFL single-season record for catches (149) in 2019, Thomas has appeared in just 20 games. This past season, he started in seven of his 10 games played, tallying 39 catches for 448 yards and just one touchdown. 

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas looks on against the Houston Texans during the first half at the Caesars Superdome :: Stephen Lew/USA TODAY Sports

Between his decline and the emergence of wideout Chris Olave, Thomas’s time in New Orleans appears to be at an end. He’ll enter free agency with an impressive resúmé that includes two All-Pro and three Pro Bowl selections. 

Even though he’s not the player that he once was, his career likely has at least one more chapter left.