There have been rumblings about the New Orleans Saints looking to give wide receiver Michael Thomas a lucrative payday. It seems Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Ryan Shazier supports that notion.

Recent reports suggest the Saints could be looking to make Thomas the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. Shazier was not shy about expressing his support,via Twitter:

Shazier's praise is certainly understandable. Not only is Thomas deserving of a new deal, but the two share quite a successful history during their time at Ohio State. It is safe to say that he is now looking out for his former college teammate by doing what he can to help ensure his looming payday.

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JC Latham (Alabama), Chris Braswell (Alabama not Jaguars), Cornelieus Johnson (Michigan) in action behind a New Orleans Saints logo with a 2024 NFL Draft background.

Dylan Bruton ·

Thomas has done all he can to make his case for becoming the new highest-paid receiver in the league. He has easily established himself as one of the NFL's premier receivers while serving as the No. 1 option in the Saints' passing game. He further solidified that notion with a stellar 2018 campaign that saw him haul in 125 receptions for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns.

There is a sense of urgency for both sides to get a deal done before the start of the 2019 NFL season. Thomas has provided New Orleans with plenty of bang for their buck as a former second-rounder. If they are unable to come to an agreement, then the Saints could risk losing him in free agency. Although there does not seem to be any concern about coming to terms in the near future, recent reports suggest that they are still “far apart” in negotiations.