The Saints and Michael Thomas seem to be making some progress on contract talks, as Jeff Duncan of The Times-Picayune tweets. Thomas’ camp has lowered its asking price to $22MM/year, though they remain about $4MM apart in terms of average annual value. Nothing is imminent, as Thomas is currently on vacation in Europe. 
Already, the Saints are willing to go to $18MM/year, which would match Odell Beckham Jr.’s average annual value. If the two sides meet in the middle and split the difference, Thomas will be the league’s highest-paid wide receiver in terms of new money AAV, though a forthcoming extension for Julio Jones could knock him down a notch.
Thomas, who leads the league in receptions (321) over the past three seasons and ranks fifth in yards (3,787) since the start of the 2016 season, is likely looking to be the NFL’s highest-paid receiver in every major contract category, which would include AAV, total value, total guarantees, and full guarantees. It’s a safe bet that he’ll check most of those boxes after notching a league-leading 125 catches, a career-high 1,405 yards, and a career-high matching nine touchdowns.
Thomas’ effort landed him a First-Team All-Pro nod in 2018 and at the age of 26, he’s just getting warmed up.
He’s “lowered it” to $22m a year. I’m all for players for getting paid, but no receiver is worth that cap hit.
He lowered his asking price to 22 million a year? Lowered it to that? Is this guy on drugs? When it mattered the most what did this guy do? He got a total of four catches and 36 yards. If he gets that money and does that again in the playoffs all the saints fans will be saying “22,000,000 a year and this is what we get?“
There’s really no point in being the ‘highest paid’ at your position. That number changes every single year.
If he is committed to winning, then take less and save cash for the rest of the 52 teammates.
If he’s out for himself, which is fine by me, then max out!
He can thank Drew Brees for this payday. On a talent, stand alone basis, Thomas isn’t a top 5 WR
$22MM!!! He’s an excellent player but wow. He’s not OBJ. He’s not make these outstanding catches for a mediocre QB. Thomas follows the Sean Payton game plan and has a TOP 5 QB throwing to him.
$18mm/yr sounds great. Matches OBJ even though it’s a contract that’s a few years old. Perfect compromise.
Thomas is better than OBJ. The Stars prove it and he doesn’t come with the baggage OBJ does
So in your opinion Thomas is better than Beckham? Did his four catches 36 yards in the NFC title game convince you of that? Look at Beckham‘s numbers per game and look at Thomases numbers per game then compare the two quarterbacks throwing him the ball. Obviously you are a Saints fan so you’re blind loyalty is forgiven.
LOL im not a Saints fan at all. Thomas has done nothing but stay healthy and be productive. You need to stop reaching for a talking point. 1 game sample size really? How was OBJ in his playoff game @ Green Bay in 2017? They are both tremendous receivers. Your taking what I said the wrong way so bad. Thomas and Beckham are both elite WR’s. But Thomas grades out a little better. Its that simple. Thomad grades at #2. Beckham at 4
Thomas avg over 100 yards per in the playoffs but sure point to one game
Downvote.
Sorry you can’t handle stats and just use narratives to base your thought. Let me guess you have an OBJ 1 handed catch as your screensaver?
52 other guys on the roster. QB, WR, DE. Never seen one single handedly win a SB. Takes 11 on O 11 on D 11 on ST.
“Nothing is imminent, as Thomas is currently on vacation in Europe.”
Can you actually open a Swiss bank account with just a paltry $22MM?
If I were the Saints knowing who is throwing Thomas the ball I would say five years 90 million 60 million guaranteed take it or leave it.
Thought I misread something. Michael Thomas is nice but he’s definitely reaching here