The Saints reportedly are OK with making Michael Thomas the highest paid wide receiver in the NFL, but they're apparently not willing to go millions per year higher.
NOLA.com reported Friday that the Saints are offering Thomas $18 million per year, which would match the five-year, $90 million extension Odell Beckham Jr. signed in 2018 as the most lucrative in the league.
But according to the report, Thomas has dropped his asking price to $22 million per year. The 2018 first-team All-Pro is entering the final season of his rookie contract.
That $4 million is a sizable gulf, but you can't blame either side for their reported figures. The Saints offer would, in fact, give Thomas, 26, the best paycheck in the league for a receiver. But you can't blame Thomas' camp for looking at the group of wide receivers that includes Julio Jones and A.J. Green who will soon be signing new extensions that probably will eclipse that.
NOLA.com earlier reported that while the two sides are far apart, they are "motivated to get a deal done, hopefully by the start of training camp."
Thomas led the NFL with 125 receptions last season, going for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns.