Ohio State Football: Michael Thomas cashes in
The New Orleans Saints got their money’s worth by drafting former Ohio State WR Michael Thomas but he is set to get paid now.
According to ESPN.com, league sources told Adam Shefter Michael Thomas signed a five-year, $100 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints. The contract was said to include $61 million in guaranteed money and would make him the highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL.
Thomas did not report to the start of Saints training camp in an effort to get a deal done. Approaching the start of his final year of his rookie contract, he was set to make $1.148 million.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Thomas’ catch rate of 84.5% in 2018 was the highest of any NFL receiver since at least 2001. During the 2018 season, Thomas set franchise records with 125 catches for 1,405 yards and 9 touchdowns.
His 321 career catches are the most in NFL history by a receiver his first three seasons.
If the reports are true, in addition to becoming the highest paid wide receiver in NFL history he would become the first non-QB offensive player to sign a $100 million contract.
Also, David Mulugheta, Thomas’ agent, would get another historical deal done for a client after reaching an agreement last week for safety Kevin Byard with the Titans on a 5-year, $70 million contract which includes $31 million in guarantees. That deal inked Byard as the highest-paid safety in NFL history.
More from Ohio State Football
- Ohio State Football: How Denzel Burke has bounced back so far this season
- Ohio State Football rolling into form at the perfect time
- How Ohio State football has done historically versus new Big 12
- Ohio State Football: We need to see “Killer Ryan Day” at South Bend
- Ohio State Football vs. Notre Dame Prediction, Odds, Spread and Over/Under for College Football Week 4
In the NFL top 100 rankings, Thomas came in at number 13 for the 2019 season, a drastic change from being ranked 81 in the 2018 rankings.
This contract extension would keep Thomas tied to the Saints for the next six years, through the 2024 season. You know quarterback Drew Brees loves that prospect as he winds down his Hall of Fame career.
Thomas was definitely the steal of the 2016 NFL Draft as he slipped to the No. 47 pick. Apparently the Saints are now prepared to pay far more money for his next 321 receptions.
dark. Next. Class that has the better season in 2019
Michael Thomas appears to have gotten what he deserved. Will his former teammate and Cowboys star, Ezekiel Elliott, receive his new deal as well?