NY Jets interested in re-signing veteran WR Demaryius Thomas

The NY Jets are reportedly interested in re-signing veteran wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

The NY Jets made a concerted effort to shake-up their wide receiver position in the offseason. But they could be looking to bring back a familiar face in veteran Demaryius Thomas.

As reported by Connor Hughes of The Athletic on Wednesday, the Jets are “still talking to” the veteran wideout and remain interested in a possible reunion.

Thomas was acquired by the Jets in an early-September trade last season that sent a 2021 sixth-round pick to the New England Patriots for the former Pro Bowl wide receiver.

In 11 games, Thomas made 10 starts and finished the year with 36 catches for 433 yards and a touchdown. He provided some much-needed stability to a Jets receiving corps that had a major lack of depth following a season-ending injury to Quincy Enunwa.

While he gave the Jets a veteran target in the passing game, it was clear that Thomas was a shell of his former self. Gone was the five-time Pro Bowl form of Thomas and it was instead replaced by an aging, declining version.

Thomas was sluggish in his routes and lacked the physicality that once made him one of the best wide receivers in the league. Nonetheless, it was clear that the coaching staff loved him.

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Demaryius Thomas was clearly not himself anymore with the NY Jets, but his leadership was valued.

The 32-year-old was named a team captain in the middle of the season — an honor he held through the remainder of the year. And if anything, his veteran leadership was evidently admired by his teammates.

The Jets went into the offseason searching for change at the position. They opted to let Robby Anderson walk and replaced him with former first-round pick Breshad Perriman. And former Baylor star Denzel Mims was added in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Even with a returning Jamison Crowder, however, it’s clear that the wide receiver position is still very much a work in progress.

Behind the projected starting three, returning depth pieces Vyncint Smith and Braxton Berrios will compete with offseason additions Josh Doctson, Lawrence Cager, and George Campbell for roster spots.

Thomas is a more accomplished player than anyone on that list, but it’s certainly fair to wonder how much better he is at this stage of his career.

Regardless, his potential return is something to keep an eye on over the coming weeks and months.