Saints Restructure Michael Thomas' Contract

New Orleans restructures veteran star Michael Thomas' contract to create salary-cap space ahead of free agency.

New Orleans restructures veteran star Michael Thomas' contract to create salary-cap space ahead of free agency.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints have restructured the wide receiver Michael Thomas contract. The move saves the team $8.7 million in salary-cap space as they prepare for the March 17 start of free agency.

Dec 29, 2019; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs after a reception in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas was a 2nd round pick by the Saints out of Ohio State in the 2016 draft. He caught 92 passes for 1,137 yards and 9 touchdowns as a rookie, then followed that up with 104 receptions for 1,245 yards, 5 scores, and a Pro Bowl berth in 2017. Thomas led the NFL in receptions in 2018, catching a franchise record 125 passes for 1,405 yards and 9 touchdowns, earning 1st team All-Pro honors.

Prior to the start of the 2019 season, Thomas signed a lucrative six-year extension with the team. He responded by pulling in an NFL-record 149 passes for a league-high 1,725 yards and 9 scores, winning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.

An ankle injury suffered in the season opener last year hampered Thomas all season. The injury forced him to miss nine games and limited his effectiveness. He caught just 40 passes for 438 yards and was ineffective during the team's playoff run.

Nov 8, 2020; Tampa, Florida, USA; Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas (13) runs the ball against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting (23). Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Thomas turned 28 on March 3, counted $18.8 million against the salary cap before the restructure. He joins teammates David Onyemata, K Wil Lutz, LB Demario Davis, DE Cameron Jordan, S Malcolm Jenkins, and G Andrus Peat in restructured deals.

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