Top receiver remains available for Patriots to sign after JuJu Smith-Schuster release
The deadline to make final roster cuts before the 2024 season might not be for a few weeks (4 p.m. ET on August 27), but the Patriots are already making some moves after their first preseason win. With plenty of moves to make, especially to the receiving corps, Jerod Mayo and Co. decided to release JuJu Smith-Schuster, one of the few pass catchers fighting for a spot on the team this year.
It was far from a shocking decision, as the veteran had a lackluster 2023 and was unable to make much of a mark on the practice field this offseason. It proved the new regime is focused on the young receivers they have rostered, which is ultimately a good sign for the future.
But what if they want to add another veteran presence to their lineup?
Kendrick Bourne is the longest-tenured player on the team, having been in the league for eight seasons. The next most experienced players are K.J. Osborn and Jalen Reagor, with five years under their belts. The rest of the players have three or fewer years as a pro, so adding another trusted veteran into the mix could be a good decision.
At this point in the offseason, there aren't many top talents available to sign, but there is one intriguing receiver looking for a new team, and the Patriots could be the perfect fit.
After JuJu Smith-Schuster's release, the Patriots should look into free agent Michael Thomas
Although Eliot Wolf has proven he is willing to spend big bucks to acquire quality talent at receiver, it hasn't been enough to convince some veterans to sign (or be traded) to the team. While that will hopefully change in the future, one former top of the league receiver is still looking for a new team, and he likely won't come at a high cost.
Longtime Saints star Michael Thomas remains a free agent well into the preseason and could be an intriguing addition for the Patriots to consider.
The 31-year-old has had a roller coaster of a career since being selected in the second round of the 2016 Draft by New Orleans. He was well on his way to becoming one of the best in the league, accomplishing that by winning Offensive Player of the Year in 2019, but constant injuries keeping him sidelined have derailed his path to the top.
Various ailments have only allowed Thomas to play in 20 games since the 2020 season, with one injury keeping him out for the entirety of 2021. During that time, he recorded 95/141 receptions for 1,057 yards and four touchdowns from countless quarterbacks the Saints have tried to replace Drew Brees with.
Thomas played his most consistent games during the 2023 season, playing in the most games since 2019 with ten. He hopes to continue his playing career and build upon what he showed last year, which could mean signing with New England.
We've seen what he's capable of during his career, as he has recorded 565 receptions for 6,569 yards, 36 touchdowns, and 11.6 yards per reception in 83 games. He's a three-time Pro Bowler and named First-Team All-Pro twice, and if he can continue with his performance last year, he could immediately become a top target for Jacoby Brissett or Drake Maye.
The best part is the value the Patriots could get by signing Thomas. It's a low-risk, high-reward situation at this point in his career. Not to mention, he remains a free agent, which likely means not many teams have expressed interest in signing him.
That is an ample opportunity for the Patriots to cash in on to put the offense over the top.