Michael Thomas, Saints agree to record-setting contract

Michael Thomas has not been at the early part of training camp with the New Orleans Saints, but the star wide receiver is expected to show up to work on Wednesday with a great big smile on his face.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that Thomas and the Saints have agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract extension. The deal makes him the highest-paid receiver in NFL history by a fairly wide margin.

The #Saints & star WR Michael Thomas have reached a blockbuster, 5 yr $100M extension. This contract makes Thomas the highest paid WR in NFL History. He’s also the first non-QB offensive player to sign a $100M contract. Agents @DavidMulugheta & Andrew Kessler negotiated the deal.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2019

Thomas had been seeking an annual salary of $20 million from the start, and the Saints feel he deserves it. Odell Beckham Jr. was previously the highest-paid receiver in the NFL in terms of average annual salary at $18 million, so the deal Thomas signed will likely reset the market. Although, the deal Beckham signed with the New York Giants last year included $65 million guaranteed, while Thomas “only” got $61 million.

For the #Saints and WR Michael Thomas, his 5-year, $100M extension includes $61M in guarantees, sources say. And one of training camp’s holdouts is over.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 31, 2019

Thomas, who is just 26, caught a whopping 125 passes for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns last season. You can understand why he was able to make the case that he is the most valuable receiver in football.