Potential free agent target's suspension might deter Patriots' interest

Although every NFL team has appeared to finalize their 2024 rosters, there is still a chance any will decide to dip into free agency and sign a player that might boost their team. That could be a position the Patriots are in, mainly offensively, with one of their weaker areas being their receiving corps.

After missing out on signing Calvin Ridley in free agency and essentially becoming a pawn in the game for Brandon Aiyuk, who just received a contract extension from the 49ers after a long, drawn-out battle, New England finds themselves in the same position they were in post-draft. If they were hoping to add more talent to the team, they might look to add a guy like Michael Thomas.

He has consistently been a name of interest throughout the offseason, especially since he was once considered the best receiver in the league. Thomas most recently played for the Saints after dealing with several injuries over the last few years, and finally looked like he could perform the way he used to through 13 games in 2023.

With the regular season just around the corner, he remains a free agent and is available for the Patriots to sign if they considered it. However, the latest update about his availablity for Week 1 might change their minds if they were planning on inquiring.

Michael Thomas' suspension could deter any interest the Patriots might have

In an update from the league on Friday afternoon, it was announced that Thomas would serve a one-game suspension to start the 2024 season for violating the person conduct policy stemming from an incident in November 2023.

While it is just a one-game suspension, it's not an ideal scenario for any team he hopes to sign with for him not to be available for the season opener, even more so since he wasn't part of their offseason program.

The reason for the suspension might also be considered by receiver needy teams, potentially further deterring Thomas from consideration.

For the Patriots, he would fit the bill of being a low-risk, high-reward player and could certainly become the WR1 type they have been hoping to add this offseason. Because their options are significantly limited next offseason, with several top receivers signing extensions or being traded over the last several months, they might have to consider a guy like Thomas for their team.

Otherwise, they will have to rely on the draft again, which isn't a bad choice; it just doesn't add to the veteran experience their current young receiving corps lacks.

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