METAIRIE, La. -- Michael Thomas has another year left on his contract. But the star receiver’s next deal might be the most important financial decision the New Orleans Saints need to weigh this offseason.
Even if Thomas doesn’t hold out this summer and the Saints don’t extend his contract until next year, they need to save room for a monster deal in 2020.
Thomas’ next contract could be in the neighborhood of $20 million per year. Even if the Saints use the franchise tag on him next year, that could cost around $18 million (with all of it counting against the salary cap).