Jeff Duncan of the Times-Picayune spoke with a “well-placed source” who mentioned that nothing is imminent between the Saints and WR Michael Thomas regarding a contract extension at this point in time.
According to Duncan, the two are still “far apart” in negotiations, but both are motivated to get a deal done. Ducan says that the hope is that they can have an agreement in place by training camp, but there’s “still a lot of work to be done.”
On Tuesday, Dianna Russini of ESPN mentioned that contract talks between the Saints and Thomas are progressing well and New Orleans is ready to make him the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver.
Thomas is set to earn a base salary of $1.15 million in 2019. According to Over The Cap, Browns WR Odell Beckham is the NFL’s highest-paid receiver at $18 million per year.
Saints GM Mickey Loomis confirmed yesterday talks had begun with Thomas.
“Yeah, listen, we’ve had some conversations, and I like keeping that close to the vest until there’s something to report,” Loomis said via Mad Dog Sports Radio. “Look, we love what Mike’s done for us. He’s a fantastic player, one of the best at his position in the league, and hopefully we can keep him as a Saint for a long time as well.”
Thomas, 26, was drafted by the Saints in the second round out of Ohio State in 2016. He’s entering the final year of a four-year, $5.118 million contract that included $3.055 million guaranteed.
In 2018, Thomas played in all 16 games for the Saints and caught 125 passes for 1405 yards and nine touchdowns. Pro Football Focus rated Thomas as their No. 2 receiver out of 117 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding a new deal for Thomas as the news is available.
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