Michael Thomas Returning to New Orleans Saints for 2023 Season on 1-Year ‘Incentive-Laden’ Deal
Michael Thomas is returning at wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints on a 1-year deal.
The news was first reported by Ian Rapoport that the Saints would retain Michael Thomas—a star wide receiver who has just been sidelined with injuries over the past few seasons. Thomas is regarded as one of the NFL's best at his position when he's healthy, and this one-year deal seems to be hinged on "if" he remains healthy.
It's really a deal that is a win-win for both sides as the Saints don't have to take the financial hit on a player who would have possibly gone on to excel with another team if he stayed healthy in the upcoming season and Thomas gets to work in a system that he set records in when he was at his best.
As recently as last season, Thomas was unstoppable in the Saints offense when he was healthy.
Now, he'll be receiving passes from former Raiders Pro Bowl quarterback Derek Carr, someone who has sung Thomas' praises to the point where it would have been shocking if the Saints didn't retain him for the 2023 season.
According to Adam Schefter, Thomas' deal is a one-year $10 million contract with a max value of $15 million to stay put in NOLA.
This is the latest surprising twist in the Saints offseason that even local reporters were shocked by as just weeks ago, many assumed the Saints blowing up Thomas' contract spelled out his inevitable exit from New Orleans to shop for a new opportunity with a new team.
One thing that no one accounted for was Thomas creating a new opportunity with his current team.
One word from Thomas, clearly aimed at any and everyone who thought he was all but gone, as the news of his 1-year deal broke.
Best of luck to MT, and here's to a happy and healthy 2023 season in New Orleans.