Patriots Re-Sign Demaryius Thomas Two Days After Releasing Him

Demaryius Thomas is coming back to New England.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Thomas has re-signed with the Patriots to a one-year deal, just two days after he was released by the team for failing to make their initial 53-man roster. Schefter reports that at the time of his release, the door was left open for Thomas to return to the Pats as the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver continued to make his way back from the torn Achilles he suffered last December.  

CBS Sports speculates the Patriots were unwilling to commit to Thomas’ fully guaranteed cap number of $2.9 million if he were to make the roster, given his Achilles issue after coming off the PUP (physically unable to perform) list last month. 

Thomas gave the Patriots plenty to think about following his performance in the team’s final preseason game where he had seven catches for 87 yards and two touchdowns. The decision to bring him back into the fold came after the Pats put their 2019 first-round draft pick and wide receiver N’Keal Harry on injured reserve. 

Thomas joins a New England receiving corps that includes Tom Brady‘s most trusted target Julian Edelman alongside an unproven Phillip Dorsett, and the recently reinstated Josh Gordon. The addition of the 6-foot-3 Thomas gives Brady a much needed big man target when paired with Edelman and Dorsett who are both under six feet tall.  

Demaryius may not be the receiver he once was, but if he can get back to somewhat near peak form, he could make good on the Patriots’ minimal financial investment.