Timing is right for Michael Thomas to get paid, Saints to lock up star long term

If timing is indeed everything, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas has arrived at the perfect time to negotiate a lucrative contract extension with the club.

There’s no arguing over Thomas’ production.

NFL.com recently ranked Thomas as the best selection in the 2016 NFL draft. That’s not a bad honor for the 47th selection overall.

The Saints need to get Thomas signed. An extension would be the first step in retaining a crop of outstanding young talent that has helped the Saints earn 24 regular season wins and back to back NFC South titles over the past two seasons.

If the Saints can’t get a deal done with Thomas, they would have to use the franchise tag next offseason.

However, what happens if left guard Andrus Peat has a monster year and becomes one of the best offensive lineman in the game?

Don’t chuckle. The issue with Peat hasn’t been production, but his health. In four NFL seasons, the former first round pick has not played 16 games. Last season, he started 13 on the way to his first Pro Bowl berth.

So, if Peat takes another big step forward in 2019, do you let him walk? Set to turn just 26 years old in November, Peat would be approaching the prime of his career.

Besides Thomas, the Saints have defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins and safety Vonn Bell as valuable contributors from the draft class of 2016. They have picked up the fifth year option on Rankins, a choice each club can make for all of their first round picks.

In 2017, the Saints had one of the best draft classes in club history. The stars from that group approach free agency soon as well.

At the end of 2020, running back Alvin Kamara’s rookie contract will expire. With a pair of ’17 first round picks, cornerback Marshon Lattimore and offensive tackle Ryan Ramczyk, the Saints can pick up their fifth year options and extend them through the 2021 season.

The Saints are in a unique situation. Even though the popular notion is that the club’s championship window may soon close, the reality is it could be open for a long time. By retaining the bulk of their young corp and somehow convincing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to stay until whenever Drew Brees retires, the Saints could be contenders for a long time.

In the upcoming 53rd year of Saints football, the quality of the team’s current roster is perhaps at its absolute franchise peak. Kamara is already one of the best backs in club history. Ramcyzk could be a dominant NFL tackle for the next 10 years. Lattimore may be the best corner in the history of the franchise.

And then there’s Thomas.

In three years, he has caught 321 passes including 23 for touchdowns.

Here’s some perspective. In his first three seasons, soon-to-be Saints Hall of Famer Marques Colston had 215 receptions.

Signing Thomas, even at the high price expected, leaves the Saints with options moving forward. Both sides need to get a deal done.

The timing is right.