The suspension stems from a November 2023 altercation with a construction worker who was working in Thomas’ neighborhood. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports it as “a personal conduct policy violation.” Thomas, now 31 years old, has finished with less than 500 receiving yards in each of his last three seasons. Thomas is eligible to return in Week 2, should he sign with a team.

We knew Thomas was expected to be released, but we didn’t know the complex structure of his contract made it a formality without the Saints needing to take formal action. Now 31 with just 20 appearances and 95 catches since rewriting the NFL record book in 2019, Thomas is the definition of “shell of his former self” after a series of lower-body, orthopedic injuries. It is one of the great shames of recent NFL history. Thomas’ pedigree will probably draw some rehabilitation interest on the open market, but it’s difficult to believe he can get back to an above-average level.

Releasing Thomas would result in a of a little more than $18 million for the Saints. It’s been an up-and-down few seasons for Thomas, who has battled through a myriad of injuries since breaking the single-season receptions record in 2019 when he went for 149-1725-9. Over the last four years, Thomas has played in just 20 games, totaling 95 catches for 1,057 yards and four touchdowns. His 2023 was cut short in November when the team placed him on injured reserve with a knee injury, and he dealt with a foot injury leading up to training camp. Assuming his time with the Saints is truly over, Thomas, 31, will leave the team ranking second in franchise history in receptions (565), fourth in yards (6,569), and seventh in receiving touchdowns (36).

Thomas’ status comes as no surprise as it had been floated that he might be an IR candidate. He injured his knee in the Saints’ Week 10 game against the Vikings. Rashid Shaheed stands to benefit the most from a fantasy perspective with Lynn Bowden and A.T Perry set to get more looks as well.