Saints receiver Michael Thomas yet to report to camp as contract negotiations continue

The #Saints have reported and WR Michael Thomas has not arrived at the facility, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. He’s seeking a new deal and the two sides are not there yet. Until they get there, he’ll stay away.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2019

New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas has not reported to the team’s Metairie facility for training camp, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport first reported Thursday.

Per Rapoport and fellow NFL reporter Mike Garafolo, Thomas is seeking a new contract and he will stay away until the two sides reach an agreement.

In the short term, Thomas could lose money by not reporting.

Starting today, Saints' WR Michael Thomas can be fined $40,000 for each day of training camp that he misses, under Article 42 and Section 1 of the CBA.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2019

Thomas is set to enter the final season of his rookie contract. He has been negotiating with the Saints on a new contract which is expected to make him the NFL’s highest paid wide receiver when finalized.

Mickey Loomis on Michael Thomas#Saints pic.twitter.com/YHdQv2k2L9

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 25, 2019

According to a report from Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, the Saints have offered Thomas a deal worth $18 to $19 million per year. Robinson also reports that while Thomas has backed down from his initial request of $22 million per year, the Ohio State product wants to be the first NFL receiver to have a $20 million annual average salary.