According to Dianna Russini, contract talks between the Saints and WR Michael Thomas are progressing well. The Saints are ready to make Thomas the NFL’s highest-paid wide receiver.
Russini adds the deal should be done by training camp at the latest.
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.
โYeah, listen, weโve had some conversations, and I like keeping that close to the vest until thereโs something to report,โ Loomis said via Mad Dog Sports Radio. โLook, we love what Mikeโs done for us. Heโs 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.โ
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.
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!