The New York Giants are still in search of additional playmakers to add to the offense. The recent retirement of Darren Waller has freed up some money, and GM Joe Schoen will continue working the phones to find his new weapon. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox recently listed WR Michael Thomas as a player the Giants should target.
Michael Thomas is formerly one of the league’s best wide receivers
Thomas was one of the league’s best — if not the best — wide receivers in the NFL just a few years ago. Thomas eclipsed the 1,000 receiving-yard mark in each of his first four NFL seasons from 2016 to 2019. He was named First Team All-Pro in both 2018 and 2019, and was named Offensive Player of the Year in 2019 after racking up 149 catches for 1,725 yards, (both league-leading) with nine touchdowns.
Injuries have derailed Thomas’ promising career
However, since his electric 2019 campaign, Thomas has been bedeviled by injuries, hurting his production massively in the process. Thomas played just seven games in 2020, missed all of the 2021 season due to an ankle injury, played just three games in 2022, and last season appeared in 10 games. Thomas has combined for only 1,057 receiving yards since 2020, and has brought in just four touchdowns.
Even though his best days are well behind him, Knox still believes Thomas could make sense for a young Giants offense. \
“Injuries have derailed a once-electrifying career, but the 31-year-old (Thomas) proved that he can still contribute last season. He had 39 catches for 448 yards and a touchdown in 10 games,” said Knox. “He could immediately slot in as a reliable possession receiver who complements the rest of New York’s offense.”
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Thomas will be cheap, but does he fit the Giants’ needs?
Knox predicts Thomas to land a contract worth roughly $3 million in 2024, which the Giants could certainly afford. The main issue comes with the stacked wide receiver room the team currently has. Malik Nabers, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darius Slayton, and Jaylin Hyatt will all demand attention. For Thomas to make the most sense, one of these players would need to be out of the fray.
While the Giants are still making the rounds in terms of filling out their roster, perhaps Thomas is a guy the team should consider reaching out to. His veteran presence and prior success in the NFL could be beneficial to the team, especially if he is willing to sign for cheap.
