The NFL has suspended free agent wide receiver and 2019 Offensive Player of the Year Michael Thomas ahead of Week 1.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Thomas has been suspended one game for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. Rapoport added that the suspension stems from Thomas’ November 2023 arrest in Kenner, Louisiana.
Michael Thomas was arrested for his involvement in a confrontation with a construction worker in his neighborhood, who recorded the altercation on his phone. Thomas threw a brick at the man’s windshield before knocking the phone out of his hand and shoving him.
The 31-year-old was released by the New Orleans Saints this offseason in a cap-saving move following another year marred by injuries. The three-time Pro Bowler has not been signed by anybody and remains a free agent with Week 1 now just six days away.
3 guys that can come in and help elevate the Miami Dolphins
• WR Michael Thomas (depth)
• ILB Kwon Alexander (depth)
• G Phil Haynes (starter) pic.twitter.com/PGu1FH2jZg— X (@xavychulo) August 25, 2024
Michael Thomas was arguably the NFL’s best wide receiver from 2017 to 2019, exceeding 100 receptions and 1,200 receiving yards each year. In 2019, he set the single-season record for catches with 149 and led the NFL with 1,725 yards to win OPOY honors.
Unfortunately, Thomas’ career has been hampered by injuries ever since. He missed the entire 2021 season recovering from an ankle injury and has only appeared in 2020 total games over the 2020, 2022 and 2023 seasons.
In 10 games last season, “Can’t Guard Mike” caught 39 passes for 448 yards and a touchdown. For his career, Michael Thomas has 565 receptions for 6,569 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Michael Thomas Should Land A Contract Soon
Though he hasn’t been healthy in five years, it’s surprising that nobody has taken a chance on Thomas since the Saints released him.
He’s not a star anymore, but Michael Thomas can still be an impactful playmaker on the field. He averaged 44.8 yards per game last season, which averaged out to a respectable 761.6 over the course of a 17-game season.