The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed two wide receivers since trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers. However, they could still be in the market for another free agent wideout addition such as Michael Thomas.
SI.com’s All Steelers’ Noah Strackbein argued on April 5 that the Steelers should pursue the former New Orleans Saints receiver.
“Michael Thomas remains on the free agent market after spending the first eight years of his career in New Orleans,” Strackbein wrote. “He’s looking for a new home after four years of injury-ridden seasons, hoping to rebound with a new franchise at 31-years-old and with 10 healthy games behind him from last season.
At his best, Thomas is a great No. 2 receiver in the NFL – at this point in his career. Before several injuries, he had four consecutive 1,000-yard seasons, with his best coming in 2019 when he led the league with 1,725 yards and nine touchdowns. If he’s healthy but not a 1,000-yard option, he’s still a very reliable No. 3 who can play the slot, which is what the Steelers need.”
During his prime, Thomas was one of the best wideouts in the NFL. He made first-team All-Pro in 2018 and 2019.
Thomas peaked in 2019 when he led the NFL with 149 receptions and 1,725 receiving yards. Thomas, who is a free agent this offseason, also had 9 receiving touchdowns.
How Michael Thomas Could Fit With the Steelers
If the price is right, there’s little downside to the Steelers taking a chance on Thomas.
That’s essentially what the team is doing with veteran wide receivers Van Jefferson and Quez Watkins. The Steelers signed each wideout to a 1-year deal worth $1.292 million. Under $200,000 of that amount was guaranteed at the signing.
Even with those additions, the Steelers only have one wide receiver currently on their roster who had more than 209 receiving yards last season. So, they could use an upgrade at the position.
Thomas isn’t the All-Pro he once was. But in 2023, he had 39 catches for 448 receiving yards — twice what any other Steelers receiver not named George Pickens did last year.
Thomas could serve nicely as a possession receiver playing opposite Pickens, who led the NFL with an 18.1 yards per reception average in 2023.
