As Derek Carr prepares for his first season as the starting quarterback of the New Orleans Saints, it seems like he has already found himself a new favorite receiver: longtime Saints veteran Michael Thomas.
Michael Thomas has been hampered by several injuries over the past few years, only playing in 10 games over the past three seasons. But Thomas is working his way back as he prepares for the 2023 NFL season, and even though he is still limited in practice, his connection with Derek Carr is already undeniable.
Throughout Saints practice on Tuesday, Thomas and Carr could be seen working together and developing their chemistry, and people took notice.
Michael Thomas and Derek Carr working on their chemistry.
(🎥: @BootKreweMedia) pic.twitter.com/t9CQzgX0MN
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) June 6, 2023
“Him as a football player and his mentality. That’s what I fell in love about him.” Derek Carr on Michael Thomas #Saints
— Aileen Hnatiuk (@AileenHnatiuk) June 6, 2023
👀 Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas was present at OTAs today. He and quarterback Derek Carr spent some time together on the side working, lots of talking between the two. pic.twitter.com/Z8mqycsdEO
— Terrin Waack (@TerrinWaack) June 6, 2023
Derek Carr and Michael Thomas talked extensively at Tuesday’s OTAs.
Thomas took mental reps on 90% of the plays and broke down the drills with the #Saints new signal caller. pic.twitter.com/KRqSH5B7v6
— Matt DeGregorio (@Matt_DeGregorio) June 6, 2023
Derek Carr and Michael Thomas chatting at practice. Carr & Thomas did some work off to side at #Saints OTA pic.twitter.com/xVcqfum3qV
— Sean FazendeFOX8 (@SeanFazendeFOX8) June 6, 2023
Derek Carr to Michael Thomas in 2023 going to be fire!!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/NmjFQWLIkn
— AlvaresSportsNews (@AlvaresSports) June 6, 2023
Not only were the two players working together heavily during practice, but they’ve also both had very positive things to say about the other.
“Oh he’s been amazing,” Thomas said of Carr, according to USA Today. “Amazing. I can’t wait to get out there with him and create something special, a connection. Just the way he commands the huddle, the sense of urgency, he’s a pro. It’s great for these young guys to see.”
Carr also revealed that Thomas is “a big reason” why he signed with the Saints in the first place.
“If he went out there and ran certain routes right now, I’d know exactly what he was going to do and I’d put it on him,” Carr said. “It’s just cool to have him in the building. Everyone was excited to see him. Everybody loves him here, they love his work ethic, they love his competitiveness, his leadership, the way he practices, the way he prepares.”
It will be interesting to see how this connection develops throughout the season.
