Michael

Thomas

Grier could eventually become Joe Burrow’s backup at some point this season, but for now, he’ll get a chance to continue developing as a player. Grier threw for 640 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions this preseason and rushed for another 60 yards and two scores. The former third-round pick has been on the long road to NFL glory, but has shown steady improvement every year he’s been in the league. In addition to Grier, the Bengals also signed DB Michael Thomas to the practice squad.

Thomas has spent the last two seasons with the Bengals, serving primarily on special teams. Set to enter his 11th season in the league, Thomas will return to his role as a special teams ace while serving as added depth in the secondary.

Thomas spends most of his time on special teams but occasionally gets reps at safety. He was credited with one start last year. Thomas totaled 18 combined tackles and one pass defense in 2021, his first season with the Bengals.

Thomas will miss the rest of the season after undergoing season-ending pec surgery. The veteran is expected to make a full recovery ahead of the 2021 season. Thomas will need to prove his health before finding a landing spot in this offseason’s free agency.

There’s a non-zero chance Texans coach Bill O’Brien believes he just signed WR Michael Thomas. Assuming that isn’t the case, we can expect Thomas to find a role as a solid special teams contributor and backup in the secondary. He’s played in 88 games for the Dolphins and Giants since 2013.

A 2012 undrafted rookie, Thomas played college ball under Jim Harbaugh and Vic Fangio at Stanford and filled a “variety of roles” on San Francisco’s practice squad this past season. He’ll be in the mix for a roster spot this summer.

Thomas was in camp on a reserve/future contract after spending 2012 on the 49ers’ practice squad. He has another year of eligibility there.

A 2012 undrafted rookie out of Stanford, Thomas spent the last two seasons on his college coach’s practice squad. He slides in as depth for a Miami team in the hunt for a Wild Card berth.

Thomas and McCain have split reps evenly through the first two weeks of training camp. Thomas is an All-Pro special teamer while McCain finished 66th out of 111 qualifiers in PFF’s cornerback rankings as a rookie last year. Byron Maxwell and Tony Lippett are penciled in as starters on the outside.

The tender is worth $1.797 million. Originally an undrafted free agent, Thomas will not cost another team anything if the Dolphins decline to match an offer sheet. Considering how good he is on special teams, it will not be surprising if Thomas receives some interest.