The New Orleans Saints appear to be inching closer to an extension with receiver Michael Thomas. Negotiations between the two sides are “progressing,” per Dianna Russini of ESPN.com.

Russini also adds that “sources say Saints are comfortable making him the highest paid receiver in the game.”

It's not surprising that Michael Thomas is going to break the bank, given the level at which he has produced the past few years. The receiver market has recently been reset by Odell Beckham Jr. and Antonio Brown, due to their recent extensions.

Thomas entered the league as a second-round pick in 2016, and he has blossomed into one of the game's best wideouts since. Still only 26, he is only beginning to enter the prime of his career. Thomas is heading into the final year of his rookie contract in 2019, and the Saints would presumably like to get something done before the season starts to avoid having him reach lame-duck status.

Thomas has made the Pro Bowl each of the last two seasons, and was a first-team All-Pro selection last year. The Saints struggled to find consistent options behind Thomas, which likely increased his leverage in negotiations.

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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 ·

Drew Brees was often throwing to a rotating cast of former UDFAs and castoffs when he wasn't passing to Thomas last year, which reinforced how much New Orleans needs him.

It appears Thomas is going to get in the ballpark of $20 million annually on his next deal, and it's hard to argue he's not worth it. Thomas led the league with 125 receptions last year, racking up 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns. We should hear more soon about what sounds like a record-breaking contract.