Michael Thomas still has not come to an agreement on a long-term contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, and it appears he may not show up to training camp until the deal is done.
Veterans reported to training camp for the Saints on Thursday, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Thomas was not present. The star receiver has been negotiating a new contract with the team for weeks.
Saints WR Michael Thomas, in search of a new deal, still has not reported to the team's training facility, per source. No practice until Friday, but no Thomas today.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2019
Saints and Michael Thomas have negotiated for weeks but without a deal, he has not reported with the rest of the players.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2019
Schefter also noted that the Saints can fine Thomas $40,000 for every day he misses training camp, but it’s unclear if they will do that.
Thomas is entering the final season of his rookie contract, and the Saints do not hold a fifth-year team option since he was drafted in the second round. He has gotten better and better in his first three seasons and caught a whopping 125 passes for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns last season. All indications have been that the Saints are willing to pay him top dollar, but many expected a deal to be completed by now.
