Two AFC teams suggested as possible Michael Thomas landing spots

BALTIMORE, MD – OCTOBER 21: Wide Receiver Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints is tackled by linebacker C.J. Mosley #57 of the Baltimore Ravens and defensive back Jimmy Smith #22 in the fourth quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on October 21, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Where is Michael Thomas going to play football inn 2024? All signs point to the New Orleans Saints splitting ways with their longtime wideout, whose career has been interrupted by a series of frustrating injuries and subpar quarterback play in the years after Drew Brees’ retirement. The Saints must choose whether to extend Thomas’ contract or release him from it when free agency begins in a few weeks.

And that’s going to give Thomas his first opportunity to choose his team since the Saints drafted him out of Ohio State back in 2016. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there are two squads in the AFC who could be good matches for Thomas:

Michael Thomas’ contract with the Saints is set to void, making him a free agent. A few scouts pointed out Baltimore as a good fit. The Ravens likely won’t re-sign Odell Beckham Jr., and they value established veterans at the receiver position. But a reunion with former New Orleans coach Sean Payton in Denver also makes sense. “When he’s out there and healthy, he affects the game,” an NFC scout said.

Of those two options, Baltimore feels far more likely. Thomas would immediately have seniority in their young receiving corps while working into their offense as a reliable possession receiver. He could mentor younger teammates like Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman just like he has helped guide Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed in New Orleans. And the opportunity to work with Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP, has to be appealing.

It would be a big surprise to see Thomas play for Payton again. One of the first missions Dennis Allen undertook as Saints head coach was travel cross-country to meet with Thomas and mend fences after the receiver’s relationship with Payton went up in flames. Much of Thomas’ grievances with the organization — dating back to his first injury, when he was rolled up on while blocking for a teammate in a blowout victory — trace back to Payton.

And if you’re curious, the Saints will host the Broncos for a home game at the Caesars Superdome in 2024, but they aren’t going to play the Ravens again until 2026 at the soonest. “Revenge games” are overblown narratives but it’s something to keep in mind depending on where Thomas ends up.

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This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Two AFC teams suggested as possible Michael Thomas landing spots