A former superstar who should be a Chicago Bears offseason target

This morning, the Saints and Michael Thomas worked on a restructuring of Thomas’ contract that cap experts have said makes it easier for the Saints to cut Thomas. Brad Spielberger, who is a salary cap analyst at Pro Football Focus (PFF), reported that Thomas is likely a post-June 1 cut due to some of the clauses in the contract restructuring. Michael Thomas should be on the Chicago Bears radar this offseason.

Michael Thomas was on pace for arguably a Hall of Fame career before a freak ankle injury that ruined both his 2020 and 2021 seasons. In 2019, Michael Thomas had an all-time dominant season. He finished with 1,725 yards, while only playing 15 full games because there was nothing to play for in a meaningless Week 16. In 2022, in a brief stint where Thomas was healthy, he looked like vintage Michael Thomas. He notched 171 yards on 16 catches and scored three touchdowns in just three games.

Why should the Chicago Bears sign or trade for Michael Thomas?

The Bears’ offense has needed a true 1A wide receiver, and a reliable guy they can go to in any situation. When healthy, that is everything Michael Thomas has been since he came into the league. The Chicago Bears need a wide receiver that can win constantly and understands coverages in the short game, which fits his bill. The Bears have their big play-threat receivers in Chase Claypool and Darnell Mooney, but adding Thomas should add some consistency in the passing game and could elevate the offense to levels we have never seen before.

Michael Thomas is not necessarily the best separator, meaning his chemistry with quarterback Justin Fields, needs to be on par heading into the 2023 season. Fields needs to get ready to throw with anticipation to Thomas also. If Fields can keep progressing as a passer and if the Chicago Bears bring in Thomas, this duo could be dangerous.