Michael Thomas (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

A fascinating AFC team has been floated as a possible landing spot for free agent wide receiver Michael Thomas.

The New Orleans Saints released Michael Thomas earlier this offseason in a cap-saving move following an eight-year run with the franchise. The 2019 Offensive Player of the Year missed the entire 2021 season and was limited to 20 games over the 2020, 2022 and 2023 campaigns.

Nearly four months after he was released by New Orleans, “Can’t Guard Mike” remains a free agent. Surely, it’s only a matter of time until somebody takes a chance on the three-time Pro Bowler.

Bleacher Report suggested the Denver Broncos sign Michael Thomas, citing the latter’s working history with head coach Sean Payton. Thomas and Payton were together for six seasons (2016 to 2021) in New Orleans.

Denver traded their No. 1 wide receiver, Jerry Jeudy, to the Cleveland Browns for a pair of late-round picks. Their current WR1, Courtland Sutton, has just one 1,000-yard season under his belt (back in 2019).

In 10 games last season, Michael Thomas caught 39 passes for 448 yards and one touchdown. For his career, the Ohio State product has 565 receptions for 6,569 yards and 36 touchdowns.

Broncos Should Take A Flier On Michael Thomas

The Broncos wouldn’t be able to rely on Thomas staying healthy and returning to his All-Pro form, but he could be a useful piece in Denver’s offense that lacks proven pass-catchers outside of Sutton and free agent signing Josh Reynolds.

If he were to stay healthy in Denver, Thomas could still put up something in the 700-800-yard range. That would be enough for a rebuilding Bronco team that will either go with Jarrett Stidham, Zach Wilson or Bo Nix as its starting QB.

The Broncos will kick off their 2024 season on Sept. 8 with a road contest against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.