Sean Payton and the Denver Broncos are not expected to be playoff contenders in the upcoming 2024 NFL season. After an offseason that saw them release Russell Wilson, trade Jerry Jeudy, and let Justin Simmons walk in free agency (assuming he doesn’t end up returning before signing with another team), they are going to be a different football team.
However, the future does look bright for the team. If Bo Nix can develop into his full potential, they have a new long-term franchise quarterback on the roster.
With that in mind, the Broncos could still look to make a few moves to make themselves a more dangerous football team in 2024. They do still have a talented roster and may be able to shock some people this year.
One specific free agent wide receiver is being linked as a potential target for the Broncos. With the drama they’re going through over Courtland Sutton’s contract, bringing in another wide receiver might be smart.
Travis Wakeman, an NFL analyst for Sporting News, has suggested that the Denver Broncos should strongly look into signing former New Orleans Saints star wide receiver Michael Thomas.
“What made Thomas successful in New Orleans was his ability to get open on shorter routes. He created great chemistry with Drew Brees and the two connected at an alarming rate. If Payton is looking to duplicate that in Denver, a similar connection between Thomas and Bo Nix is not hard to envision.”
Thomas reuniting with Payton sounds like a great idea for the Broncos. He may never return to the superstar form that he once had, but he could revitalize his career on a smaller statistical rate.
Over the last couple of years, Thomas has been plagued by injury issues. He has had his fair share of openly negative comments about the Saints and the way they treated his injuries. Being able to join forces again with the coach he trusts the most could help him get back on track.
With the Denver Broncos, Thomas would immediately have a role as well. As of right now, Sutton is the No. 1 wide receiver on the roster, with Josh Reynolds and Marvin Mims Jr. behind him on the depth chart. A healthy version of Thomas could easily come in as the No. 2 or No. 3 target for Nix.
At 31 years of age, Thomas should be looking for a cheap one-year deal in a situation where he can get back on the market next offseason and get a better deal. He is coming off of a 2023 campaign that saw him play in 10 games. He caught 39 passes for 448 yards and a touchdown, showing he can still make an impact.
If the Denver Broncos want to make a late offseason addition to improve their offense, they should look no farther than Thomas. He’s a low-risk, high-reward type of signing that wouldn’t break the bank.
