Michael Thomas Suspended 1 Game for Violation of NFL Rules; Former Saints WR is FA

Michael Thomas will not be available for Week 1.

Ian Rapoport reported that the NFL had suspended free agent wide receiver Michael Thomas for Week 1 due to "a violation of NFL rules." Rapoport added that the violation is related to his 2023 arrest.

Thomas finished the 2023 season with 39 catches for 448 yards and a touchdown in 10 games. This was the highest number of games he had played since his 2019 season in which he won the Offensive Player of the Year award.

Thomas's career has been derailed by injuries in recent seasons, but the 31-year-old could still draw some interest due to his experience and previous success. The looming threat of a suspension could have impacted his free agency market, but the verdict could improve his stock for the 2024 season.

Week 1 of the NFL season is set to begin Sept. 5 when the Baltimore Ravens face the Kansas City Chiefs. The final game of the opening slate will see the New York Jets take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9.