Once upon a time, Michael Thomas was arguably the best receiver in the NFL, a three-time Pro Bowler who seemed destined for a Hall of Fame career. His dominance culminated in a record-breaking 149-catch season in 2019. But injuries, public disputes with former coaches, and a social media feud with ex-Raiders quarterback Derek Carr threw his career off course. Now, as the NFL season is set to begin, Thomas finds himself without a team, his once-bright future hanging in the balance.
The Raiders, however, are no strangers to taking chances on players with a checkered past. Under the leadership of the late Al Davis, the team built a reputation for embracing players shrouded in controversy, so long as they had talent. And despite his struggles, Thomas still has plenty of talent left in the tank.
According to a suggestion by Bleacher Report, Thomas could be a perfect fit for the Raiders as he looks to resurrect his career. At 31 years old, his days of leading the league in receptions and yardage may be behind him, but he could still provide significant value to a team in need.
Raiders’ WR Depth: A Cause for Concern?
On paper, the Raiders’ wide receiver group appears solid. Davante Adams remains one of the league’s elite pass-catchers, while Jakobi Meyers has proven to be a reliable No. 2 option. There’s also reason to be optimistic about Tre Tucker, who finished his rookie campaign on a high note with 11 catches for 170 yards and two touchdowns in his final four games.
But after those three, the depth chart thins out considerably. An injury to one of their top receivers could create significant problems, leaving the team vulnerable. That’s where Michael Thomas could come in. Despite signing a five-year, $96 million deal with the Saints in 2019, Thomas is now looking for a new opportunity—and the Raiders might just be that opportunity.
“Is there some risk to bringing on another target dominator like Michael Thomas onto a roster that already has Davante Adams? Sure. But if the fact that Thomas remains unsigned as we get ready for the first week of the season hasn’t humbled the former Saints star, then it’s going to be hard for him to have a second act for his career.”
Raiders’ Offense Hinges on Gardner Minshew
While adding Thomas could help the Raiders’ receiving corps, their biggest question mark is at quarterback. Gardner Minshew signed with the Raiders in the offseason and earned the starting job over Aidan O’Connell. Though Minshew has flashed potential in the past, he’s only played two full seasons as a starter—his rookie year in Jacksonville and last season in Indianapolis.
Minshew has a career record of 15-22 as a starter, including a 7-6 mark with the Colts last season. He threw for 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions while averaging 194.4 passing yards per game. His career passer rating of 84.6 suggests he’s a competent but unspectacular option under center.
With the Raiders, however, Minshew may have the best group of receivers he’s ever worked with. Adding a healthy Michael Thomas into the mix could give him a true arsenal to work with alongside Adams, Meyers, and Tucker. The hope is that this improved supporting cast will help Minshew deliver more consistent results in Las Vegas than he has in previous stops.
A Risk Worth Taking?
Thomas’ journey from superstar to free agent has been turbulent, but the Raiders have never shied away from taking risks on talented players with something to prove. If Thomas can stay healthy and regain even a fraction of his former dominance, he could help solidify the Raiders’ receiving corps and give Minshew the support he needs to lead a competitive offense.
In the unpredictable world of the NFL, sometimes a gamble is exactly what it takes to strike gold. Could Michael Thomas be the next successful reclamation project for the Raiders? Only time will tell.
