WR Thomas agrees to $100M deal with Saints

The New Orleans Saints and leading receiver Michael Thomas have agreed to a new five-year, $100 million contract, his agent said yesterday.

Andrew Kessler of the agency Athletes First, who joined colleague David Mulugheta in negotiating the deal with the Saints, said the contract pays Thomas about $61 million in guaranteed salary and bonuses.

The agreement, first reported by NFL Network, brings to an end Thomas’ training camp holdout that spanned five practices.

The Saints had a scheduled day off yesterday and Thomas was expected to join practice today.

Currently, Thomas’ average annual pay of $20 million represents a new high for NFL receivers, eclipsing the $18 million per year paid to Cleveland’s Odell Beckham Jr.

Last season, Thomas ranked first in the NFL in catches with 125, sixth in yards receiving with 1,405 and tied for 10th with nine touchdowns.

Kuechly injured

Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly was held out of the second half of practice after getting tangled up in a pile during a 9-on-7 play.

Carolina coach Ron Rivera declined to specify the nature of the injury, saying trainers were purposely being “overly cautious” with the six-time Pro Bowler.

Kuechly ended up on the ground on the play but it was difficult to determine what happened . . . .

Buffalo Bills starting center Mitch Morse is out indefinitely after being placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol.

Coach Sean McDermott provided no details on how Morse was hurt while saying the player was diagnosed with the concussion on Tuesday.

Penn joins Skins

Donald Penn reached out to good friend Trent Williams before deciding to sign with the Washington Redskins.

“We had a good conversation,” Penn said. “We’re on the same page.”

Penn said he chose Washington over other teams for the chance to start at left tackle. Given that interest and his friendship with Williams, bringing in Penn looks like the strongest sign yet that the Redskins’ regular starting left tackle’s holdout won’t be ending any time soon.

The 36-year-old veteran jumped right into practice yesterday and could soon hold down Williams’ old spot.

Jags waive RB

Jacksonville Jaguars have waived/injured running back Taj McGowan after he tore a ligament in his right knee during training camp.

McGowan hurt his knee in practice Tuesday, and tests revealed the extent of the damage. McGowan, an undrafted rookie from UCF, will revert to the Jags’ injured reserve if he clears waivers.