Former Chiefs wide receiver De’Anthony Thomas opts out of 2020 season
By Matt Conner
Baltimore Ravens player De’Anthony Thomas is the third player to opt out for the 2020 season.
The COVID-19 global pandemic continues to affect the National Football League in a number of ways, including the wishes of some players to even attempt to suit up in 2020. The NFL has given players the chance to officially opt out for a year in the face of the coronavirus, and De’Anthony Thomas of the Baltimore Ravens is the third player to decide to do so.
Thomas joins Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif and Seattle Seahawks lineman Chance Warmack as the only players to officially opt out thus far.
Thomas first entered the NFL as the Chiefs fourth round pick back in the 2014 NFL Draft. From there, he remained with the team until the 2019 season, during which he was released. The Baltimore Ravens soon came calling with an offer to play the rest of the season and they re-signed him for the 2020 campaign as well.
Thomas played for six seasons in Kansas City, primarily as a returner, and put together some very solid highlights in that span. He had one touchdown return in his career, back during his rookie season, but he also earned limited snaps on offense. In six years, he averaged 24.8 yards per kick return and 8.8 yards on each punt return.
In his career, Thomas had 65 catches for 509 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Chiefs. He also rushed 31 times for 191 yards and 2 touchdowns in that span. With his decision to opt out for the Ravens, James Proche and Justice Hill will compete for return opportunities.
Thomas will be 28-years-old by the time the 2021 season rolls around.