Michael Thomas is quietly making a strong comeback for the Saints.
The NFL Comeback Player of the Year award has been given out since 1998 (after a break since 1966). Only one New Orleans Saints player has received the honour. Following a knee injury that kept him out of the 1999 season, Saints Pro Bowl DE Joe Johnson returned to win the award in 2000. Johnson was recognised for his career-high 12 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and five caused or recovered fumbles. Drew Brees, the legendary quarterback, was also named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2004, while playing for the San Diego Chargers.
If New Orleans maintains their current level of performance, another player could be added to that list. WR MICHAEL THOMAS
Thomas had a Hall of Fame start to his career after the Saints drafted him in the second round out of Ohio State in 2016. Thomas, the 47th overall pick and sixth receiver chosen, made every NFL franchise regret passing on him. Thomas averaged 116 catches for 1,378 yards and 32 touchdowns over a four-year period from 2016 to 2019. His 1,745 yards in 2019 led the NFL, broke his own team record (1,405 in 2018), and tied him for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (4) in franchise history with Marques Colston.
Thomas led the NFL in receptions twice, each time setting a new team record. His 149 catches in 2019 set a new NFL single-season record, breaking a 17-year-old mark. In 2019, he became only the second New Orleans player to win the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award. Other than RB Alvin Kamara, the Saints possessed other viable receiving threats in 2018 and 2019. Despite game-planning defences, he was practically unbeatable in his first four years.
Thomas recorded at least five catches in 56 of his first 68 games (including playoffs), with nine or more receptions in 24 of them. He had at least 70 yards receiving in 25 of those games and had at least 100 yards receiving in 21 of them. Between 2020 and 2022, Thomas missed 40 of 50 regular-season games due to foot and ankle problems. Even when he did play, he was frequently hindered physically. Despite his limitations, Michael Thomas averaged roughly six catches and 61 yards in those ten games.
Most people assumed Thomas, who turned 30 in March, would never be the same player again. Last summer, he agreed to renegotiate the remaining years on his contract amid rumours that the team would potentially release him. THOMAS, THERE IS NO DOUBT.
Despite many people’s scepticism, Thomas has proven them incorrect over the first half of 2023. On an otherwise bad offence, he’s been one of the most consistent players. After seven games, Thomas has 34 catches for 371 yards and a touchdown. He has the most receiving yards and catches on the squad. He recorded at least five receptions in each of the first three games and has at least three catches in each game this season.
We have yet to witness one of Thomas’ characteristic dominate performances; he has only reached 60 yards twice this season. This is also due to an incompetent offence, the fact that he’s been thrown to little in the second half of recent games, and the Saints offense’s failure to target the middle of the field, where Thomas excels the most. Regardless, Thomas has been the unit’s most consistent performer. He’s formed a bond with quarterback Derek Carr and gives his all on every snap. Thomas remains a matchup concern for defences at 6’3″ and 212 pounds, with exceptional route perfection and sure hands.
To be considered for Comeback Player of the Year, Thomas will need to raise his statistical production. New Orleans will also need to have a winning season, which is an unfortunate reality for most postseason honours. Thomas altered his contract for this season to become an incentive-laden pact. It gave the Saints more salary cap space, but voidable years at the end of the contract could allow Thomas to become a free agency at the end of the season.
Michael Thomas has had a fantastic comeback campaign in the first half of 2023, and he may not win an award for it. He is presently second in receptions and fourth in receiving yardage in team history.
Going forward, New Orleans would be wise to include Thomas even more in the offence. Thomas is still one of the top route runners in the NFL. He brings a physical edge to the passing game that no other player on the team has, and he frequently makes plays in traffic to pick up crucial first downs. Over the last two years, the New Orleans Saints have made numerous errors. Allowing Michael Thomas to leave through free agency would be one of their biggest mistakes.
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