The Los Angeles Chargers are facing a rebuild at wide receiver. Despite feeling solid about their quarterback situation, many would argue they have failed to transition the room into the next generation without a gap. At least, that is what one NFL analyst believes.
Writing for Bleacher Report, analyst Kristopher Knox named Michael Thomas as a potential fit for the team.
“The Los Angeles Chargers, who parted with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason, might be interested in dipping into the post-cuts player pool. They are expected to deploy a run-heavy offense under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, but any help they can provide quarterback Justin Herbert would be beneficial,” he wrote.
He also noted that Thomas had a run last season of nearly 500 yards in 10 games. He also scored a touchdown. A rate of production on that level undoubtedly has a place on rosters in the NFL.
Knox believed the Chargers could be a great fit. He also named the Denver Broncos as a team potentially interested in acquiring the wide receiver. This is due to the Sean Payton connection. Both Payton and Thomas worked together in New Orleans, which could set up for a bidding war for Thomas.
That said, after missing the preseason and much more time overall since 2020, it is understandable why teams might be hesitant on Thomas.
Exploring Michael Thomas’ fit with the Los Angeles Chargers
Thomas can still play on a level worth building at least part of an offense around. However, if he can’t stay available for an entire season, teams could be setting themselves up for future trouble at an inopportune moment. Many teams likely believe it would be better to go all-in on players who have assured availability.
The Chargers currently have a depth chart featuring Joshua Palmer, DJ Chark, and Ladd McConkey. Palmer appears to be the number one receiver with Chark and McConkey following, per the official team’s website. McConkey is a rookie receiver who might end up as the team’s top receiver at the end of the season. However, until then, the wide receiver room appears to be set up to be quite fluid.
If it is going to be fluid all season long anyway, the team might as well add a piece to the offense with at least a history of domination. The hope would be that Jim Harbaugh could get the best out of Thomas, who hasn’t played for a coach with Harbaugh-like experience since Payton retired from the Saints after the 2022 season.
Additionally, bringing Thomas in could add some extra time for McConkey to get in shape and ease into the game against easier cornerbacks, which could only help his development.
Will the Los Angeles Chargers take a shot with Thomas?
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