The Las Vegas Raiders should explore their options to improve a few position groups ahead of the start of the 2024 NFL season, and wide receiver is among them.
The Raiders have a strong one-two punch in Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers, but the jury is still out on guys like Tre Tucker and DJ Turner, who are set to serve as the No. 3 and No. 4 options at wide receiver. Beyond those two, Las Vegas has Tyreik McAllister and rookie Ramel Keyton, neither of whom have experience.
With all that in mind, Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine believes the Raiders should sign former All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas in free agency. Here's what he thinks about that move:
"Is their some risk to bringing on another target dominator like Michael Thomas onto a roster that already has Davante Adams? Sure," Ballentine wrote. "But if the fact that Thomas remains unsigned as we get ready for the first week of the season hasn't humbled the former Saints star then it's going to be hard for him to have a second act for his career.
"The Raiders are going to try to field a competitive offense with Gardner Minshew and that's going to require the best supporting cast possible. If there's any hope that Thomas can get healthy and be anything close to what he once was he could help a thin Raiders receiver group."
Once an elite receiver, Thomas' best days are well behind him after struggling badly with injuries over the past four years. However, the 31-year-old still managed to tally 448 yards and one touchdown in 10 games last season.
Nothing earth-shattering, of course, but the Raiders wouldn't need him as anything more than a third option, at most. Thomas would provide some much-needed experience and versatile depth, as he can line up outside or in the slot.
Even if he's signed right now, Thomas wouldn't help the Raiders in Week 1. Not only would he need time to get acclimated, but the veteran wideout is suspended for one game for violating the league's personal conduct policy.
Regardless, Thomas would be a welcomed addition for a Raiders offense that needs to give its quarterback as many options as possible in 2024.