Despite extending several key players during the offseason, New Orleans Saints still have an unfinished job this summer. This includes giving a new contract to their Pro Bowl wide receiver Michael Thomas.
Although Saints have already engaged in talks with the 26-year-old wideout, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, the two sides are not close to an agreement. One of the reasons for this is that Thomas looks to become the highest paid WR in the history of the league.
Jeff Duncan of Nola.com recently gave an update about the contract negotiations between two sides, and according to his findings, there is a significant gap between what Thomas wants and what the Saints are willing to offer.
Duncan reports that Michael Thomas’ agent presented the New Orleans with a new request for $22 million annual salary, with the initial demands being even bigger. Saints, on the other hand, have increased their offer to $18 million per year, and it is unclear how much further they are willing to go.
Cleveland Browns’ Odell Beckham Jr. is currently the highest paid wideout in football with $18 million per year, with Raiders’ Antonio Brown coming at second place with $16.7 million.
Thomas had a career year in 2018, leading the NFL with 125 receptions while making his first First-Team All-Pro appearance. He also had 1,405 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in the regular season while adding 207 yards and one TD in two postseason games.
