Did the Buffalo Bills lose Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis in the offseason, and are they looking to add another top wide receiver before training camp?
The Buffalo Bills did not create the anticipated impact in free agency for a wide receiver following the trade of Stefon Diggs and the release of Gabe Davis. There’s speculation that they might make a move for Michael Thomas just before training camp begins, and BetOnline considers this a possibility.
According to their updated odds, the Bills are among the top teams likely to sign Thomas, along with the Dallas Cowboys, Baltimore Ravens, and Denver Broncos.
- Dallas Cowboys (+300)
- Buffalo Bills (+500)
- Baltimore Ravens (+600)
- Denver Broncos (+800)
However, time is limited as camp opens on July 24 if the Bills aim to add the 2019 NFL Offensive Player of the Year to their roster.
Bills Listed As Favorites For Michael Thomas
Yes, however, it’s unlikely at the moment.
It’s difficult to envision the Bills making any significant signings before the start of training camp. They seem dedicated to assessing whether Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, and rookie Keon Coleman can collectively fill the void left by Diggs and Davis, who accounted for 241 targets.
The situation in Buffalo could shift if this group, as well as potential fourth wideout candidates Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Chase Claypool, underperform in the initial stages of camp and preseason.
The Bills cannot afford to waste a year of Josh Allen’s prime, so the front office must be ready to make quick adjustments if the revamped receiver group disappoints. While the early feedback from OTAs and minicamps was positive, the preseason games could reveal different results.
Should general manager Brandon Beane decide to change their approach, that’s when Thomas might become a consideration.
What could Thomas bring to Buffalo?
Thomas emerged as one of the NFL’s top receivers during his early years with the New Orleans Saints. His achievements include two First Team All-Pro selections and a league record for the most catches in a season, with 149 in 2019.
Unfortunately, the 31-year-old, who hails from Los Angeles, has been plagued by injuries. He has only appeared in 20 games over the past four seasons combined, sitting out the entire 2021 season to recover from an ankle injury.
In the 2023 season, he had a modest performance, making 39 catches for 448 yards and one touchdown in 10 games. Pro Football Focus gave him an overall grade of 67.4, while ESPN Analytics rated him at 47 overall.
At this point, Thomas is not considered a clear-cut No. 1 receiver. He’s more of a borderline No. 2 wideout, which aligns with the level of talent typically available in the free-agent market during this time of the summer.
In essence, Thomas wouldn’t be a game-changer for the Bills. Nonetheless, it doesn’t mean he wouldn’t be able to contribute in some capacity.
Might He Join The Bills?
While it’s tempting to dismiss the possibility, it shouldn’t be entirely ruled out. There might be approximately a 10 percent chance of Thomas ending up in Buffalo.
The ultimate decision will hinge on the performance of the passing game in the initial weeks of training camp. If there are significant challenges in moving the ball through the air, all possibilities are on the table. The Bills cannot head into the regular season without some level of confidence in the effectiveness of their aerial attack.
Bringing Thomas on board is primarily a fallback option, but placing a bet on a comeback from a former star isn’t the riskiest move, particularly if it seems like the entire season is at stake.
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