Julio Jones and Amari Cooper have made it known they are in no rush to come to terms to a new contract with their franchises, but Michael Thomas is deciding to join the pool of other stars holding out for a new deal.
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo reported that Michael Thomas did not report for the New Orleans Saints training camp on Thursday, thus beginning his hold out. The 2x Pro Bowl wide receiver is about to begin the final year of his 2nd round rookie contract. He is set to make $1.14 million, which is around the same amount that Dontrelle Inman will make this year with the Patriots. Marquise Brown was the first wideout taken in this years draft, and is already set to make $2.14 million.
Thomas not only has been named to the Pro Bowl twice in his three years with the Saints, but also eclipsed the 1,100 yard mark in every season since coming from Ohio State. He has 321 receptions, which is an NFL record for receptions in a players first three seasons. I think it is safe to say that Thomas is set for a massive pay day, and is looking to be paid like the best receiver in the NFL.
The New Orleans Saints GM, Mickey Loomis, has already said that contract talks have begun, and it has been expressed that the two parties are coming closer to an agreement. Charles Robinson from Yahoo! Sports reported that the Saints offered a deal worth $18-$19 million a year, which would put him above Odell Beckham’s richest contract worth $18 million a year. Thomas originally wanted $22 million a year, but now has come to terms with being the first wide receiver to receiver a $20 million a year deal.