On paper it makes a lot of sense that the Lions might add Thomas. He was with Dan Campbell in New Orleans for years, so Campbell knows what to expect from him. Thomas was also an All-Pro receiver during that time.
He also fits what the Lions need in terms of body size and contested catch ability. So why not right? There’s just a few problems here that are of note.
The first is that Thomas is 31-years-old and while he was an All-Pro receiver and the leagues Offensive Player of the Year at one time, he hasn’t been that guy in a while. And we mean a very long while.
Thomas played seven games in 2020, missed the entire 2021 season and then played just three games in 2022. Then he played just 10 games in 2023 and only started seven of them. before finishing the year on injured reserve. Since that huge 2019 season, Thomas has racked up just 95 receptions for 1,057 yards and four touchdowns in 20 games over the course of four years. A change of scenery isn’t likely to be help for him. He might just be done.
The other big red flag is that Thomas was arrested last November for allegedly throwing a brick through the window of someone’s car. After the Cameron Sutton fiasco, the Lions are probably very unlikely to sign a player with more legal troubles. Even if this one isn’t as horrific as Sutton’s alleged crime.
There’s a reason the Saints released Thomas in March. It wasn’t just because they just don’t see any future with him and that he’s very unlikely to get back to the player he once was. He also failed his physical. He might not be able to play anytime soon.
That’s why the Lions are probably just going to stay away from this one. If they were going to take a shot, it would likely be a one-year deal full of incentives and maybe he makes it out of camp, but again, it’s seems like something the Lions are definitely going to avoid.