It’s no secret that the Pittsburgh Steelers are working to enhance their passing game from a year ago. It began with an overhaul of the quarterback room, as Kenny Pickett was transferred across the state to the Philadelphia Eagles. Mitchell Trubisky returned to the Buffalo Bills on a two-year contract.
Russell Wilson, the team’s experienced quarterback, is now slated to start, looking for his own redemption. If he underperforms, Justin Fields, a former first-round choice, will step in. Pittsburgh will be a very different squad under center.
However, this is only one element of the passing equation. Regardless of who throws the ball, the Steelers require players who can catch and make plays. Especially after Diontae Johnson was moved.
That puts the most recent Steelers free agency rumor to the forefront. According to Zach Smith of Around the 412, Pittsburgh has communicated with former Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas. The free agent has battled ailments, but he has an impressive resume and can still play when fit.
A Deal with Michael Thomas Could be a Steal
He would provide experience and a needed skillset to Pittsburgh’s passing game
Depending on the price, Thomas would be a must-have addition. Right present, Roman Wilson, Van Jefferson, Quez Watkins, and Scott Miller are competing for the WR2 position. Wilson hasn’t played a snap in the NFL yet, so he gets a pass, but the rest of the players aren’t as good as a healthy Thomas.
| Michael Thomas Season-By-Season Stats | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns |
| 2016 | 92 | 1,137 | 9 |
| 2017 | 104 | 1,245 | 5 |
| 2018 | 125 | 1,405 | 9 |
| 2019 | 149 | 1,725 | 9 |
| 2020 | 40 | 438 | 0 |
| 2022 | 16 | 171 | 3 |
| 2023 | 39 | 448 | 1 |
When looking at potential complementary pieces to Pickens, Thomas’ route running abilities underneath also stand out compared to Pickens’ vertical threat. Thomas could fill Johnson’s role as a reliable possession receiver who racks up more than 80 catches.
Moving forward, Thomas’s primary worry will always be his health. He did not play at all in 2021. Thomas followed up with three games in 2022 and ten in 2023. Staying on the field should be Pittsburgh’s top priority with this move.
However, when healthy, Thomas was the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year in 2019. He has two First-Team All-Pro accolades to his credit. If the price is reasonable, the Steelers should make this signing before someone else does. Their wide receiver room needs a player like Thomas going around.
