Michael Thomas' time with the Saints appears to be up, and the former Offensive Player of the Year isn't afraid of burning bridges on the way out.
Thomas is set to be released before the start of free agency on March 13, according to a report from The Times-Picayune's Jeff Duncan.
Or is he? That would depend on who you ask.
The 31-year-old disputed the idea that he can be released, claiming he's on a one-year contract in an X (formerly known as Twitter) rant that targeted both Duncan and the Saints.
Thomas claimed Duncan is "trying to stay relevant" and accused him of writing articles that "never end up being true" at all. "He is broke so he need clicks."
Thomas later tweeted a photo of Duncan, calling him a clown and saying, "look like he take them salt things."
Look at this 🤡 y’all think he know ball yeah right. Y’all really clicking links to what he write 😂😂😂 #goodluck pic.twitter.com/fDoYiDx1iY
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) March 7, 2024
"Don't fall for it," Thomas said, "he the same dude that tried to be my friend in season after saying I wasn't the same player in training camp."
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The Saints weren't free from Thomas' line of fire, either. He accused the organization of leaking information "to try to ruin players' value," making it pretty clear he doesn't plan to return to the team.
Jeff Duncan is a hoe. Trying to stay relevant so let’s speak on it. The Saints leak information to him to try to ruin players value but see I’m not broke so I can speak on it. He is broke so he need clicks. Go look at all his articles that never end up being true.
— Michael Thomas (@Cantguardmike) March 7, 2024
Thomas was a two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro-Bowler early in his career with the Saints, setting the NFL single-season reception record with 149 in 2019. Injuries have ravaged his career ever since, with Thomas missing 47 of 67 games since 2020.
Thomas' agent, Andrew Kessler, added more confusion to the saga, telling New Orleans' local Fox affiliate that his client has always been on a one-year deal and will be an unrestricted free agent on March 13.
Those comments clarify that Thomas is claiming he can't be released at all, rather than arguing he won't be released. Here's the truth about Thomas' contract status entering 2024.
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Michael Thomas contract
Despite the claims by Thomas and his agent, he can be released this offseason. While Thomas might have expected to hit free agency all along, the final year of the deal does not automatically void.
Why does Thomas consider his contract done after 2023? He would be guaranteed $119 million in bonuses if he's on the Saints' roster on March 15. There is no scenario in which New Orleans would allow that to happen, so the end of his time with the organization is virtually assured.
Thomas' contract was set up in a way that the team would either have to rework it or release him this offseason. If he's on the roster the third day of the 2024 league year, $119 million in bonuses will guarantee. The 2024 year does not automatically void.
— Katherine Terrell (@Kat_Terrell) March 7, 2024
Still, the key detail of the contract is that 2024 does not automatically void. The Saints have two options: restructure the deal or release Thomas. Thanks to Duncan's report, Thomas now won't be caught off guard if and when the latter happens.
