Former Steelers WR Emmanuel Sanders Encouraged Team To Pursue Michael Thomas Because Of Antonio Brown-Like Work Ethic

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been firmly in the rumor mill to add another wide receiver during the 2024 offseason. The trade of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers left George Pickens alone as the team's only reliable pass-catching option. The team has added veterans, like Van Jefferson, Scotty Miller, and Quez Watkins, with varying experience to the depth chart to go with rookie Roman Wilson and the largely unproven Calvin Austin III. The team however, does not have a dependable number two option. Former Steelers receiver Emmanuel Sanders thinks the organization should pursue one of his former teammates to fill that void. 

Sanders joined Kay Adams on her show on Thursday morning to chat about things going on across the NFL. With Sanders being a former Steelers receiver, Adams asked the two-time Pro Bowler who he thinks would be the best fit to come in and help his former team. Sanders noted one quality that should endear Thomas to Steelers fans. 

"I have never met a guy besides myself and Antonio Brown, who at practice every single rep is going full-speed," he said. "I remember a few times in New Orleans when we had walkthroughs and Mike's still running at full speed. I'm looking at him like he's crazy."  

Sanders and Thomas were teammates on the New Orleans Saints in 2020. Sanders acknowledged that Thomas hasn't been healthy in recent seasons, which has limited his effectiveness. He still believes the former two-time AP First-Team All-Pro can be a good addition to the team's wide receiver room. 

"Obviously, Mike hasn't been healthy, but every time I think about Mike, I think about a healthy Michael Thomas making plays."

Thomas was one of the best receivers in the game when he was healthy and making plays. He joined the league in 2016 from Ohio State and had an impressive start. From 2016 to 2019, Thomas achieved four seasons of 1,000-plus receiving yards. His 2019 season was especially remarkable as he led the league in yards and receptions, and became the first receiver since Jerry Rice in 1993 to do just that.

Thomas was limited to just seven games in 2020 as ankle injuries kept him on the sidelines. He missed all of the 2021 season due to more ankle problems. He returned in 2022, but was again limited to just three games because of a foot injury. Thomas played in 10 games in 2023, but had a career-low of 3.9 yards per reception. He was designated for a June 1 release by the Saints in March. 

Thomas would easily be the most decorated receiver in the Steelers 2024 room, but it's fair to question whether he can come close to reaching the heights he had with the Saints due to all the injury problems in the past three seasons. He might have the motivation and the work ethic to get back to that level, but as he turned 31 in March, concerns about his body falling apart are very real. 

Steelers Trying The Bargain Bin Approach To Wide Receiver

Pittsburgh wants to be a team that imposes their will physically in the run game in 2024. That's been clear from the players talking about the approach from new offensive coordinator, Arthur Smith. With the emphasis on the ground game, it seems like Pittsburgh is happy to take a cheap approach to building out the wide receiver room. The veterans the team brought in are on relatively friendly contracts, and the young players are still on rookie deals. 

The team may still make a move before the start of the season to add a more proven second option. For now, it seems like the team is content to let the players behind Pickens compete for the number two job. 

What do you think of adding Thomas? Comment below!

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