The New Orleans Saints have taken care of star defensive end Cameron Jordan after recently handing him a new contract extension. And head coach Sean Payton is “sure” wide receiver Michael Thomas is next in line to get paid.

Thomas is in the final year of his rookie contract, and Payton believes GM Mickey Loomis is already getting ready to have a deal in place.

“He’s been very consistent and he’ll be the next one I am sure,” Payton said at a Tuesday press conference per Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk. “[GM Mickey Loomis] will be working. I know that they probably have already begun discussions. I leave that to those guys to handle. He competes, he is durable, and he is someone that enjoys playing.”

Thomas, who was drafted in the second round by the Saints in 2016, has been among the most productive wide receivers in the entire NFL since coming into the league.

Article Continues Below
More New Orleans Saints News
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) passes the ball during minicamp at Ochsner Sports Performance Center.
Saints’ guard gives Tyler Shough reality check despite draft positionBenedetto Vitale ·
image thumbnail
1 obvious New Orleans Saints trade candidate entering 2025 training campBen Strauss ·
New Orleans Saints introduce Kellen Moore as the head coach and he addresses the media at Ochsner Sports Performance Center.
Saints rumors: The 5-time Pro Bowler who would be a great fitDouglas Fritz ·
saints, new orleans saints, kendall fuller
1 perfect New Orleans Saints move to fill out roster before 2025 training campGarrett Kerman ·
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94) leaps over Atlanta Falcons defensive end Khalid Kareem (92) to sack Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) during the second half at Caesars Superdome.
Saints’ Cameron Jordan hilariously picks out ‘dumbest NFL rule’Douglas Fritz ·
Tyler Shough, Saints
2 hottest Saints takes coming out of 2025 minicampDouglas Fritz ·

He’s flourished in Payton’s offensive system, exceeded 1,100 receiving yards in each of his first three years in the league while averaging over 100 catches and eight touchdowns per season.

Thomas is coming off the best year of his career in 2018. He set new career-highs with 125 receptions and 1,405 receiving yards to go along with nine touchdowns as he was voted First-Team All-Pro.

With that sort of production, the Saints will obviously be eager to lock Thomas down to a long-term deal. However, Thomas will likely be looking to be among the best-paid wide receivers, so the Saints better be ready to pay up if they want to keep Thomas around.