Michael Thomas’ four-year run of success in the 2010s continued to provide opportunities even as his career stalled in the 2020s. It appears that the injury-prone wide receiver will eventually leave the Saints.
According to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com, New Orleans is anticipated to release Thomas when the new league year begins on March 13. Although Thomas played more games last season than he had since 2019, the former All-Pro’s injury history made it unlikely that he would return for the 2024 season.
Free agency begins on March 13th, and the New Orleans Saints should consider the many available players.
One of those guys is linebacker Zack Baun, who is in his first free agency period since being picked by the Saints in 2020. He was mostly a special teams player, but in 2023, he began to develop his game. The main explanation I can think of is that they’ve started using him like they did in college, which has made him more comfortable. It also didn’t hurt that he was in his fourth year of the NFL at the time, so he was more accustomed to the pace of the professional game.
This past season, Zack Baun recorded his first two sacks, both while playing on the edge. Both of these happened late in the season, with the first occurring in Week 12 against the Detroit Lions. Last season, he intercepted rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud in week six, which was also the first interception thrown by Stroud in his career. Baun would go on to record 30 total tackles, solidifying 2023 as his greatest season yet.
If he was employed like he did late in the season, Zack Baun appears to be what the Saints need heading into the next season. The Saints prefer large men at the ends of their defensive lines, but their lack of quickness off the edge was evident this season, and New Orleans should avoid a repeat of that. They want undersized rushers on the edge, and Baun may fill that role. I could see him negotiating with the team on a one-year “prove it” agreement for next season, allowing him the opportunity to earn more money in 2025.
During his four seasons with the Saints, Zack Baun recorded 88 total tackles, two sacks, and one interception in 62 games.
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