Michael Thomas’ holdout for a brand new extension has come to a close, as Thomas and the Saints agree to a 5-year, $100 million extension, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The record-setting extension will net Thomas $61 million in guarantees, the most of any non-quarterback in NFL history.
The record breaking $100M deal that WR Michael Thomas & the Saints have agreed to includes $61M in New Guaranteed Money, which is the most in NFL history for a Non-QB offensive player. This massive extension was negotiated by @DavidMulugheta and Andrew Kessler of Athletes First.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2019
Thomas’ value to New Orleans was made readily apparent by the Saints’ urgency to end Thomas’ holdout and get the deal done and willingness to fork out a market-setting deal to their number one target, unseating Odell Beckham Jr as the highest-paid receiver in the NFL.
Immediately upon arrival in New Orleans, Thomas proved himself to be a force to be reckoned with and among the most reliable targets in the league, as he’s tallied at least 90 receptions in every year of his career thus far, including a league-leading 125 receptions last season.
Thomas also obliterated the record for most receptions through a player’s first three seasons, previously held by Odell Beckham Jr and Jarvis Landry at 288, with 321 receptions. Perhaps most importantly for the Saints, Thomas combines elite production with a near-flawless bill of health, as he’s only missed one game in his first three seasons.
Thomas’ instant rapport with Brees has served as the backbone of a Saints team that has won the NFC South in back to back years and finished no worse than 4th in points per game since Thomas was drafted. By securing Thomas’ services through 2026, the Saints have locked down one of the five best receivers in the league for his entire prime and surefire elite production, presuming health, for the rest of Drew Brees’ career and whoever takes the reins after Brees’ retirement.
