NEW ORLEANS — After eight seasons, the Saints released former All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas on Wednesday.
Thomas' tenure with the Saints started with a bang, peaking in 2019 with a record-setting season that culminated in an NFL best-ever 149 receptions in a single season. But since then, the recently-turned 31-year-old (March 3) has spent the majority of the past four seasons sidelined with injuries.
His release comes within a week of Thomas' extensive social media rant, during which he admonished a local Saints beat writer for reporting that his departure was imminent.
With his release, Thomas is now a free agent and immediately eligible to sign with another team.
But before he does, WWL Louisiana wanted to get fans' reactions to Thomas leaving the team.
“I think that he was going to be a good comeback player and I think that he was going to continue putting up those numbers like he was in 2018, 2019, paired up with Drew Brees," said Abita Springs native Seth Guilott. “I thought him and [Derek] Carr were going to do a lot better than they did. And, you know, I just hate to see that he's not going to make a return.”
Houston-based New Orleans fan Jeren Brewer is also disappointed that Thomas is no longer a Saint.
“I like Michael Thomas a lot," Brewer said. "He had a big injury a couple of years ago and I feel like he worked his butt off to get back. I hate that we're losing him. I get it. But I'm sure another team is going to pick him up. So, I wish him the best.”
While disappointed, some fans like New Orleans native Jon Jourdain said the writing was on the wall.
"I wasn't surprised at all," Jourdain told WWL. "I figured it had to happen. I think too much dirt has been slung around social media and you just have to move on and try to get somebody else in."
Others like New Orleans business owner Steve Gingrich believe Thomas' release was long overdue.
“A lot like Sean Payton, I think he stuck around town about four years too long, to tell you the truth," said Gingrich, owner of the French Quarter sports bar, Schooner Saloon. "He used to be my No. 1 pick for two years in fantasy. I got one touchdown out of him in two years.
“You know, and he's probably going to end up with Sean Payton, to tell you the truth, out in Denver," Gingrich predicted. "Or maybe he'll end up in Atlanta and help us out a bit.”
Boston-area Saints fan Raul Cruz is also pleased with the move.
"Releasing Michael Thomas is the best thing the Saints could have ever done," said Cruz. "He hasn’t played in two years. Saints to the Super Bowl next year. We have some cap room to sign a new, younger wide receiver who is less injury-prone. I think it's a great decision.”
For Black and Gold Sports Shop owner Pam Randazza, Thomas' release is bittersweet.
“We used to sell his jersey [a lot]," she explained. "Even last year we were selling it when he came back. You know, we were still selling a lot of it. He’s a fan favorite... he was great for my business. Great jersey. Great player. And now it’s time to move on.”
According to Randazza, Saints running back Alvin Kamara remains the most popular jersey sold at her Metairie store, followed by tight end/quarterback Taysom Hill and wide receiver Chris Olave.
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