Thomas’ record deal resets WR market
Already elite in terms of his production, Michael Thomas has now arrived in terms of financial status.
The Saints and the wide receiver on Wednesday agreed to a contract extension worth $100 million over five years. In so doing, New Orleans made Thomas the first non-quarterback offensive player to earn a $100 million contract.
The Saints understand Thomas’ worth. The 2016 second-round pick was playing on the final year of a rookie contact with a max value of $5.1 million. But in three seasons, Thomas has ascended to the upper echelon of wide receivers.
Last year he broke the record for receptions in a player’s first 40 games, a mark held by Odell Beckham Jr. (as well as Jerry Rice and Randy Moss before him).
Not only did Thomas record a leagueleading 125 catches last season, he boasted an 85% reception rate. No other pass catcher targeted 100 times or more registered a catch clip better than 74%.
For his career, Thomas has truly posted elite numbers in terms of production and efficiency, which have fueled comparisons to Rice.
The Saints knew they couldn’t let Thomas get away. He too understood his worth and thus held out, but the receiver who rocks the Twitter handle of @CantguardMike will now return to the field as New Orleans aims to reach the Super Bowl after last season’s heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship Game.
Now the market is set. Thomas was one of a handful of talented receivers entering this season in search of a new contract. Julio Jones and the Falcons have yet to hammer out an extension, and the same goes for Amari Cooper and the Cowboys.
It’ll be interesting to see how Atlanta rewards Jones, who has ranked among the game’s best during his eight-year career. He has six Pro Bowl appearances and two all-pro honors to his name. But at 29, he’s not as young as Thomas.
Cooper, meanwhile, isn’t nearly as accomplished as either, although he does boast potential.
However, each could still wind up landing contracts that pay them in the $17 million-$19 million a year range and feature a handsome guaranteed salary.