Who Should I Start? Michael Thomas or Allen Lazard

Wednesday, March 13, 5:56 PM

Wide receiver Michael Thomas (knee) is no longer under contract with the New Orleans Saints, according to a source, and is now officially a free agent. It was a formality this offseason since his deal was only really for one year. The 31-year-old was designated as a post-June 1 cut by the Saints. Thomas missed the final seven games of the 2023 season due to a knee injury and isn't likely to have a very robust market given all of the injuries he's endured since leading the NFL in receptions (149) and receiving yards (1,725) in 2019, the last year he was named to the Pro Bowl. Since then, the former second-round pick by the Saints in 2016 out of Ohio State has played in only 20 games and has caught 95 passes for 1,057 yards and four touchdowns.

Thursday, March 14, 6:17 PM

The New York Jets have made wide receiver Allen Lazard available in trade talks this offseason, according to league sources. Lazard is due a $10 million salary this season, so he's not likely to generate a ton of interest from other clubs after catching 23 of his 49 targets for 311 yards and one touchdown in 14 games (12 starts) for the Jets in 2023. The 28-year-old former Green Bay Packer came over before last season as a favorite of quarterback Aaron Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay, but Lazard didn't have much of a chance to excel once Rodgers tore his Achilles in Week 1. Perhaps Lazard could rebound with Rodgers returning this year if he sticks around, but it sounds like the Jets would rather just move on. If there are no takers for Lazard, the Jets could end up cutting him after June 1.