Former Oregon Duck De’Anthony Thomas Cut By Baltimore Ravens
De’Anthony Thomas opted out of the 2020 season over COVID-19 concerns. We did not see him on the field in a Baltimore uniform this and now he has been released by the Ravens.
The former Oregon Duck becomes a free agent after spending time with several teams including Kansas City and Baltimore. Over the last few seasons, Thomas has carved out a niche for himself as a punt returner. In 2019 he returned 13 punts for 93 yards along with 10 kickoffs for over 160 yards.
More from Autzen Zoo
- Oregon football: Ducks and Coach Prime playing it cordial leading up to Saturday
- Oregon Basketball: Non-conference slate features Michigan coming to Eugene
- Oregon football: Ducks find complete game effort in win vs Hawaii
- Oregon Ducks must get run game going against Hawaii
- 8 Pac-12 teams represented in Associated Press Top 25 after Week 2
Throughout his college and NFL career, Thomas has shown a flair for the dramatic, whether it is for a long touchdown run which he did in Kansas City or the occasional big kickoff return. COVID-19 put a dent in his plans. The Baltimore Ravens paid his salary for $150,000 this season. The contract would have rolled over for 2021, but he was released. Now, Thomas will need a new home.
De’Anthony Thomas has been cut by two teams now with Kansas City and Baltimore. There are plenty of teams where he could land. He has been healthy for most of his NFL Career and durability can go a long way. He has a skill set that could be ideal for multiple teams. He can return kickoffs and punts, as well as play out of the backfield.
At a28 years old, Thomas still has value in either role, but I believe he is more likely to find a spot returning punts than in the backfield in today’s NFL. Of course, with the pandemic likely around in 2021 as well, a spot start at Running Back could possibly be in the cards if an entire personnel group is not able to play, which has happened to several teams this past season.
As far as where he could land, it could be anywhere. With the coaching carousel in full effect right now, it will just be a matter of time. He can play multiple positions and that is certainly in his favor.