With CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks and Jalen Tolbert on the roster, the Dallas Cowboys don’t necessarily need to sign a free-agent receiver. Adding a three-time Pro Bowler to the mix, however, couldn’t hurt.
According to ESPN’s Matt Bowen, the Cowboys are the best free-agency fit for Michael Thomas. The former Saints receiver is on the market for the first time in his career after a string of injury-plagued seasons in New Orleans.
Thomas came down with 39 catches for 448 yards and a touchdown last season before sustaining a knee injury in Week 10. He was seen as one of the top receivers in the game before the injury issues flared up, earning Offensive Player of the Year honors after a record-breaking 2019 campaign.
Despite the injuries, Bowen believes Thomas can thrive in Dallas while competing with Tolbert for the No. 3 WR gig.
“When healthy, Thomas can still uncover and work multiple levels of the field. However, the injury concerns are legit, as the 31-year-old wide receiver has played in just 20 games over the past four seasons. And while Thomas could wait until after camps start to find the best landing spot, let’s focus on Dallas as a possibility; he could make an impact there on a one-year deal,” Bowen wrote.
The Cowboys have been relatively quiet this free-agency period, making only four outside additions to the roster. The team recently hosted receiver Zay Jones for a visit, but the receiver decided to join the Cardinals on a one-year deal.
On the topic of free agency, Bowen featured a new home for a veteran defender with Cowboys connections. He listed the Carolina Panthers as the best fit for cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Needing a proven veteran on defense made up of young options, the Panthers could use Gilmore outside or in the nickel.
“With Gilmore, the Panthers would be adding an established veteran who can play outside or at the nickel spot. And even though he will turn 34 years old this season, Gilmore still has the physical coverage traits and savvy technique to find the ball. Last season in Dallas, Gilmore had two interceptions and 10 pass breakups,” Bowen wrote.
Gilmore previously played for the Panthers in 2021.
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