The Pittsburgh Steelers are hoping for much better offensive play overall with the addition of new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, who is trying to help the team’s quarterback situation. This suggests that adding another weapon could have a big impact on the offense as a whole.
Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus thinks that Michael Thomas, a former Saints All-Pro wide receiver, would be a huge asset to Smith’s offense and is the perfect wide receiver for it. Spielberger commented, “Though his lack of production was not entirely his own doing, perhaps the Steelers take another swing with Thomas. Pittsburgh brought Allen Robinson aboard to serve as the big slot possession receiver in 2023. “Spielberger also predicted the kind of deal that Thomas would get, estimating that a one-year prove-it agreement would likely run Thomas about $6 million.
The Saints cut Thomas in March, despite renegotiating his deal in 2023. His base pay and roster bonus were only expected to total $1.21 million and $2.2 million, respectively. During the previous season, Thomas caught 39 of 60 targets for 448 yards and one touchdown. Given his history of injuries, Thomas may sign for a lot less money than a player of his quality would typically sign for. He has yet to reclaim his form as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers at this point in his career after missing a significant amount of time due to an ankle injury. However, the Steelers and other teams are aware of Thomas’ abilities. It’s unlikely, though, that he will demand a huge salary to be placed on the ideal team for his comeback.
After the club missed just one recorder on the slot, the Steelers might be an intriguing option for a player with Thomas’ caliber, regardless of his market. By adding Thomas to the receiving corps in addition to George Pickens and Roman Wilson, they may be able to stabilize the bunch.
Being a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time first-team All-Pro, Thomas possesses exceptional potential. He was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 and led the league in receptions twice and yards once. However, the problem? It’s those wounds. Since 2019, Thomas hasn’t participated in a complete football season. 2020 saw him miss time due to a high ankle sprain; 2021 saw him miss all of 2021 following ankle surgery; 2022 saw him miss all but three weeks due to a foot ailment; and last year, he missed seven games due to a knee issue. In 2020, he got into a brawl with a teammate; in 2023, he was taken into custody for violence.
