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New Orleans Saints ready to move on from franchise icon, two-time All-Pro talent, Michael Thomas responds with anger

New Orleans Saints
Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

UPDATE: The original article has been updated at the very bottom to include Michael Thomas’s response, and you’re going to want to see his opinion on the New Orleans Saints.

There have been several changes to the New Orleans Saints over the past few years. Perhaps none are bigger than Sean Payton’s departure, but the roster is also undergoing an overhaul as the Saints look to get back to contending for the NFC South division title.

Now, one of the most familiar faces on the Saints’ roster is set to be move on from the team.

Matter of when, not if, the New Orleans Saints move on from Michael Thomas

new orleans saints
Credit: Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

At his peak, there wasn’t a better receiver in the NFL than Michael Thomas. Back in 2020, Thomas set a new NFL record with 149 receptions, while also racking up 1,725 receiving yards.

But he hasn’t been able to stay healthy as of late, playing in just 20 out of 67 games across the past four years. Not only has he not been available, Thomas’s production has slipped to the point where he averaged just 44.8 YPG last season. It’s a stark dropoff from his career average of 79.1 YPG.

Now, it’s possible the Saints are done with their two-time All-Pro receiver as he’s set to officially become a free agent on March 13.

Nola.com’s Jeff Duncan noted that the Saints are expected to release Thomas before the start of the new league year on March 13. Yet Thomas and the Saints actually agreed to a unique restructure last season that includes a clause requiring him to be released from his contract as soon as free agency begins.

Thomas, once released, won’t come anywhere near being ranked as the best receivers available in free agency. But that doesn’t mean the 6-foot-3 receiver won’t find a taker, as teams are always eager to add more playmaking weapons to their offense. The biggest question is, how much left does the 31-year-old have left in the tank?

Related: 2024 NFL mock draft: Falcons find QB, Round 1 projections after NFL Combine

Michael Thomas responds, very boldly

Shortly after Jeff Duncan’s article came out, Michael Thomas responded on social media. It’s clear what his opinion is of Duncan. Yet, it also paints the Saints in a bad light, suggesting they leak information to the reporter.

Related: New Orleans Saints could trade 4x Pro Bowl talent to help with salary cap woes

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