Over the years, the NFL continues to prove to be a passing league. Because of this, the wide receiver position has become more important than ever.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the market value for all positions are increasing. Quarterbacks and pass rushers seem to break new records every year for being the highest paid at their respected positions. But now with players such as Julio Jones, Amari Cooper and A.J. Green seeking new contracts, the WR1 value may finally break north of $20 million.
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. The rising star may soon be not only the highest paid player at his position, but the first receiver to be paid $20 million annually as well.
Thomas’ Career
Thomas has put up quite an argument to earn his paycheck since being selected by the Saints in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft.
Since being drafted Thomas has caught 321 passes for 3,787 yards and 23 touchdowns. These accomplishments broke the record for most receptions in a player’s first three seasons.
In 2018, the receiver pulled in 125 tosses for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns. Also, he led the league in catch rate with 85 percent. In what was arguably his best campaign yet, Thomas was selected to the 2018 NFL Pro-Bowl and also earned First-Team All-Pro honors.
Thomas’ stats are not the only thing that deem him worthy of top-tier money. Saints defensive-end Cameron Jordan recently appeared on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football to state what he thinks his teammate deserves.
Should @Cantguardmike become the league’s highest paid receiver?
.@Saints DE @camjordan94 didn’t have to think long about this… pic.twitter.com/qLikvmSgEi
— GMFB (@gmfb) June 24, 2019
While his game speaks for itself, Thomas’ teammates are also on board with making him the highest paid receiver in the NFL. Whether or not the Saints make it happen is still up for debate.
Odell Beckham Jr. currently holds the position as highest paid receiver earning $18 million annually. But, with many players looking for another payday, change may be coming soon.
Featured Image Credit: CBS Sports
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