The New Orleans Saints have parted ways with wide receiver Michael Thomas, a move that had been anticipated, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Thomas, who ended the previous season on injured reserve due to a knee injury, has been released by the Saints as a post-June 1 cut, a decision that will provide the team with $1.2 million in salary cap relief for the 2024 season. The move was made after Thomas failed a physical.
Former All-Pro and OPOY WR Michael Thomas has been designated as a post-June 1 release from the Saints after failing a physical pic.twitter.com/IddhgKome4
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 13, 2024
In addition to Thomas, the Saints also released quarterback Jameis Winston as a post-June 1 cut. Winston, who recently agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns, was among the players released as part of the team"s roster adjustments.
The decision to release Thomas was largely expected, given the circumstances surrounding his contract. Last spring, Thomas restructured his deal with the Saints, effectively turning what was a two-year contract into a one-year arrangement.
Both parties understood that significant roster bonuses would be triggered if Thomas remained on the roster beyond the commencement of the new league year.
Despite his departure, Thomas leaves behind an illustrious legacy in New Orleans. The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year set numerous NFL and franchise records during his tenure with the Saints, including the league record for most receptions in a single season with 149, totaling 1,725 yards and 9 touchdowns.
Over his career in New Orleans, Thomas amassed impressive statistics, with 565 catches for 6,569 yards and 36 touchdowns. He holds multiple franchise records, including the rookie record for receiving yards and the single-season record for receptions and receiving yards.
However, injuries plagued Thomas in his final years with the Saints, limiting his availability on the field. Ankle, toe, and knee injuries restricted him to just 20 regular-season games from 2020 to 2023, culminating in him missing the entire 2021 season.
The conclusion of Thomas" tenure with the Saints was marred by off-field incidents as well. In November of the previous season, he was arrested on misdemeanor battery charges following an altercation near his residence. Shortly after, he sustained a knee injury in a Week 10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, sidelining him for the remainder of the season.
Now a free agent for the first time in his career, Thomas, 31, will look to continue his NFL journey with a new team as he enters the next phase of his professional football career.
