Saints’ Michael Thomas Expected To Be Highest-Paid Receiver In NFL

New Orleans Saints go-to guy Michael Thomas is expected to be the highest-paid receiver in the NFL after his stellar 2018 season. Thomas had over 1400 yards, nine touchdowns and led the league with 125 catches. The former Ohio State receiver has been in the NFL for three years and has averaged 80.6 yards over his career during the regular season, while bolstering that in the postseason, averaging 105.8 yards.

“We’ve had some conversations, and I like keeping that close to the vest until there’s something to report, but look, we love what Mike’s done for us,” GM Mickey Loomis of the Saints said, according to NFL.com. “He’s a fantastic player, one of the best at his position in the league, and hopefully we can keep him a Saint for a long time as well.”

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Thomas is certainly punching above his weight in terms of his current contract. Still on his rookie deal, he will receive $1.6 million on his final year. According to Bleacher Report, Thomas has the 95th-best contract in the league. Considering Thomas had 97 more catches than anyone else on the Saints last season, the team should be willing to do anything within their power to keep him around. According to Forbes, Thomas can be expected to gain a five-year deal, ranging anywhere from $95 million to $108 million.

After Tuesday’s reports from ESPN’s Dianna Russell saying that the Saints are comfortable making him the highest-paid receiver, Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com reported Wednesday morning that there is still a lot of ground to cover in terms of his deal.

If and when the Saints and Thomas reach a deal, he will surely surpass Odell Beckham Jr.’s deal with the Cleveland Browns for five years and $90 million. According to Pro Football Talk, Thomas is in company with fellow star receivers Amari Cooper, Julio Jones and A.J. Green, who are also seeking extension deals. If one member of the group reaches a deal with their team, the others may find it easier to extend their contracts.