Demaryius Thomas was one of the biggest names to appear on the NFL waiver wire Saturday, but he may return to the New England Patriots anyway.
According to multiple reports, the Patriots intend to re-sign the four-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. NESN reports that New England waived Thomas so that it could place another player on the 53-man roster, then move that player to the injured reserve.
Placing a player on the IR before the final roster cutdown makes him ineligible for the entire season. However, placing a player on IR after the cutdown means he can return starting with Week 9.
NESN notes six candidates that the Pats may move to IR to make room for Thomas on the roster. Those players include wide receiver N’Keal Harry, the team's first-round draft pick, running back Damien Harris and tight end Matt LaCosse, who had originally been expected to be the team's starter in the post-Gronk era.
So if the reports are true, Thomas could soon find himself back on the Patriots roster. The 31-year-old wide receiver, who is returning from a torn Achilles tendon, played well in the Pats' preseason finale Thursday, catching seven passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
It's worth noting that if Thomas re-signs with the Patriots after the first week of the season, his 2019 salary ($2.9 million) would be non-guaranteed.
Finally, if Thomas doesn't return to New England, Pro Football Talk reports the Broncos are interested in bringing him back. Thomas spent his first nine seasons in Denver before being traded to Houston last year.