LA Rams upcoming NFL Free Agency strategy is a nail-biter

Thomas enters NFL Free Agency

The LA Rams have invested quite a bit into the receivers, particularly when the team signed Brandin Cooks to a huge payday. That doesn’t bode well for the hopes of projected wide receiver  Mike Thomas, who is now also seeking his one renewed contract.

Background – Mike Thomas was a sixth-round draft pick for the LA Rams in the 2016 NFL Draft. At the time, he was projected as a potential developmental player. Standing 6-foot-1 and weighing 186-pounds, he projected as a slot receiver and special teams player.

Strengths – He flashed some potential in 2016 and 2017. He started one game in 2017. In that year, he caught five passes out of seven thrown his way and averaged 18.6 yards per completion.

Weaknesses – He’s had a storied history. In 2017, he served a four-game suspension for violating the league’s ban on performance-enhancing drugs. He spent the 2018 season on injured reserve.

Team Impact – He has served on the Rams’ special teams for the majority of his career. He has not seen action on the team’s offense.

Estimated market value – Thomas has simply not shown up in the Rams stats sheet to have leverage for a bigger payday.  Look for a multi-year team-friendly contract averaging under $1 million / year if he finds a team in need of WR depth.

Projected team action – The LA Rams will likely pass on making him an offer.

Most likely team to sign him – There will likely be a very shallow market for Thomas in 2020. He could sign on with an NFL team for a special team’s role.  As such, the Dallas Cowboys may call.