Michael Thomas Suspended by NFL

Former New Orleans Saint wide receiver Michael Thomas has been suspended for the first week of the season by the NFL due to a violation of the league’s code of conduct policy.

The violation is connected to his November 2023 arrest following an altercation with a construction worker outside of his Kenner, Lou. home, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Thomas, currently a free agent, parted ways with the Saints this offseason after another year prematurely shut down due to injury. New Orleans reworked a deal with the former All-Pro receiver ahead of the 2023 season that was set to void at the conclusion of the league year. When that deadline came, no contract extension was pursued, and Thomas went into free agency.

Up to this point, the wideout’s market has seemed limited if not absent. As he recovers from his 2023 injury, it may simply be that he is not yet cleared to play. Otherwise, it is logical that teams around the NFL would be checking in on the record-setting pass-catcher. However, this suspension may end up delaying a materializing market.

Post-Week 1 would be an advantageous time for a team to sign Thomas. He will have served the Week 1 suspension, and any contracts reached with players following the first week of the season are non-guaranteed. That would offer a team a low-risk opportunity to add a talent, though oft-injured player. A bargain very much work taking at that point.

Thomas’ social media practices that aired out some grievances with the Saints and their starting quarterback Derek Carr will likely cease any ambitions for a return to the Big Easy. But once the suspension is clear and medicals check out, it would not be surprising to see the receiver’s market pick up. However, if the recent injuries over the year draw concern from clubs, it could take a while for things to shake loose for Thomas.