Report: Thomas, Saints agree to 5-year, $100M extension
The New Orleans Saints and All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas agreed to a five-year, $100-million contract extension, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.
When the extension kicks in, Thomas will become the highest-paid receiver in NFL history. His $61 million in guarantees also represents the most ever for a non-quarterback offensive player, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter.
New Orleans has now locked up its star wideout through the 2024 campaign. Thomas had one year remaining on his rookie deal and will earn just $1.148 million in 2019.
The 26-year-old was a no-show at the start of Saints training camp as he was seeking an extension that netted an annual average salary of at least $20 million.
Thomas has developed into one of the league's premier pass-catchers. He's averaged 107 catches, 1,262 yards, and eight touchdowns per season, and his 321 receptions are the most in NFL history by a receiver in his first three years.
With Thomas' deal in the books, Julio Jones and Amari Cooper could be the next receivers to finalize new lucrative contracts.