The Kansas City Chiefs could go from an unproven and disappointing wide receiving corps to one featuring a veteran duo that would rank among the most explosive in the NFL.
Even before the Chiefs look ahead to the NFL Draft where the wide receiver position is likely going to be a focus, Kansas City could easily add former New Orleans Saints All-Pro Michael Thomas to jolt some life, and some consistency, into Patrick Mahomes‘ supporting cast.
What Would Signing Michael Thomas Cost the Kansas City Chiefs?
Given that free agency is well into its second wave, and injuries combined with a dip in production led to the New Orleans Saints releasing Thomas, the Chiefs might not need to break the bank to sign him.
It is entirely conceivable that Thomas would sign for less than $5 million on a one-year “prove it” type of deal, especially for the chance to catch passes from Mahomes in what has the potential to be a potently explosive Chiefs offense.
Devon Clements of Heavy.com suggests Thomas might even settle for the veteran minimum, and points out that a deal signed after May 2 wouldn’t impact the compensatory draft pick formula for the Chiefs.
“Signing Thomas to that type of deal after the draft would make him as low-risk a signing as possible,” Clements writes. “And would give the former All-Pro a chance to compete for a Super Bowl ring. Thomas has never played in a Conference Championship let alone a Super Bowl during his nine-year career, so the idea of potentially playing deeper in the playoffs with the two-time defending Super Bowl champions could be of interest to him.”
Thomas isn’t the electrifying playmaker set the single-season receptions record in 2019, with 149. But, he’s still a reliable veteran pass-catcher who hauled in 39 of his 63 targets last season for 448 yards and a touchdown before suffering a sprained MCL in Week 10 of the 2023 campaign.
Perhaps even more attractive for the Chiefs is the fact that Thomas dropped just one pass, according to Pro Football Focus, during the 2023 campaign, a season that saw Chiefs receivers lead the league in the dubious category.
Brett Veach on Prioritizing Patrick Mahomes’ Arsenal
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach had been looking to upgrade the Chiefs’ receiving corps, even before the unit took a significant step backward in 2023.
During Kansas City’s postseason dash to the Super Bowl, Veach revealed that the organization had tried to come away with a receiver dating back to last year’s draft.
“Yeah, we’re always trying to get Pat (Mahomes) offensive help,” Veach told reporters. “No matter what people think or say,” Veach explained. “It was a unique free agency and there wasn’t a lot to choose from and you’re picking last in the draft.So, we took what we had and we invested in some veteran defensive players. We brought Charles (Omenihu) in, Drue (Tranquill) in, and Mike Edwards in.
“Then, we did try to get a receiver earlier in the draft. Didn’t work out. But we were patient and that’s what you need to do. Just be patient and disciplined. Thankfully, it worked out. Rashee (Rice) has done great, but you don’t have to give 15 much. You give him a little and he’ll do the rest.”
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