Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reports that the Saints are offering WR Michael Thomas between $18-$19 million a year as part of a long-term extension.
However, Thomas is hoping to become the first $20 million per year receiver in the NFL.
According to Robinson, if the Saints were to offer Thomas $20 million per year along with the right structure and guarantees, it would likely be enough to get a deal done.
Thomas is one a few notable receivers in line for massive extension along with Julio Jones and Amari Cooper.
Prior reports have said that the two parties would like to have a deal in place before the start of training camp, but it looks like that timeline could end up extending longer than they had hoped.
Saints GM Mickey Loomis previously confirmed 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 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.
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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