Credit: USA TODAY Sport
The Dallas Cowboys are considered the favorites to sign three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver (WR) Michael Thomas, according to BetOnline’s odds, with +300 odds.
This isn’t the first time analysts have linked the Cowboys to the former star wide receiver. Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report identified Thomas as a veteran the Cowboys ‘must consider’ signing. Knox argues that Thomas could be a worthy replacement for Michael Gallup, who was released during the offseason.
“At worst, Thomas should be a functional replacement for Gallup as WR3,” writes Knox. “If he could recapture some of his earlier form, however, he could be much, much more. Adding him would be a boom-or-bust risk, but Dallas doesn’t have a ton of other options, barring a trade.”
Michael Thomas Career Hindered by Injuries
The Cowboys need to improve their roster before training camp after an uneventful offseason with minimal improvements from Jerry Jones. Two key areas for enhancement are offensive tackle and wide receiver. Dallas could use more depth at wide receiver and a stronger starter at offensive tackle. A few years ago, signing Thomas would have been a game-changing move.
Thomas was once the NFL Offensive Player of the Year and the highest-paid receiver in the league after signing a five-year, $100 million contract extension with $61 million guaranteed. Before he departed from the New Orleans Saints, he dealt with injury issues and front-office conflicts, ultimately leading to his release this offseason.
After leading the league in receptions for two consecutive seasons (2018 and 2019), Thomas’ career took a downturn due to injuries. The 6-foot-3 receiver was limited to just seven games in the 2020 season because of ankle issues, managing only 40 receptions for 438 yards and failing to score a touchdown.
Thomas continuous injuries casts shadows about his potential
Thomas missed the entire 2021 season due to an ankle injury and then missed 14 games in the 2022 season because of a foot injury. He played in 10 games during the 2023 season—his healthiest since 2019—before a knee injury ended his season. Injuries have prematurely ended Thomas’ season for four consecutive years.
Thomas is no longer the great player he once was, and his injury history is a major concern. However, the Cowboys wouldn’t rely on him as their top option. He would likely be third in the pass-catcher pecking order behind wideout CeeDee Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson, and he could fall as low as fifth, depending on the performance of Jalen Tolbert and Brandin Cooks.
This report used information from Heavy.com.
