Ranking potential external options for Detroit Lions to replace Josh Reynolds

2. Michael Thomas

As long as the NFL's single-season record holder for receptions is still available and the Lions are perceived to have a level of need at wide receiver, a match will be put out there. Lions head coach Dan Campbell was on the Saints' staff when Thomas was his healthiest, happiest and at his most productive, which makes the tie an easy one to propose.

Bleacher Report's David Kenyon did so recently, on the premise of the Lions being able to benefit greatly from a late free agent addition at wide receiver.

"In fairness, yes, the market is reasonably thin at receiver. It's true that none of Michael Thomas, Hunter Renfrow or Mecole Hardman are guaranteed to make a major impact.
"Detroit can afford the risk, though—and the position's current outlook is practically begging for the Lions to take one."

2019, when Thomas set the NFL single-season record for receptions with 149, feels like longer ago than that somehow. He has also only played 20 games over the last four seasons due to ankle, foot and knee injuries. The Saints, as well expected, released him in March.

Thomas, 6-foot-3, 212 pounds, fits the physical and skill set profile the Lions still don't quite have at wide receiver. He's the best available free agent wide receiver at this point, it's just a matter if he can find a fit somewhere with the overriding question of if he can stay on the field for any sustainable stretch.

If the Lions start to question the path they've taken at wide receiver and he is still avaiable, Thomas could see Detroit as a nice landing spot.