Saints and Michael Thomas Now Reportedly 'Far Apart' on New Contract

Earlier this week, reports suggested that the New Orleans Saints and wideout Michael Thomas were closing in on a new deal for the All-Pro. But now it appears the two parties are further away from a new contract than initial reports indicated.

According to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com, Thomas and the Saints are still "far apart" in their contract negotiations. Leading some to speculate just how long it'll take before the wideout gets his money's worth.

Although this new report contradicts what we've heard on the workings of Thomas' extension, both the Saints and the wideout are still motivated to get a deal done this offseason. Preferably, before the start of training camp in August.

Thomas' new deal figures to shoot him into the top tier of highest paid wide receivers in the game. Considering how great Thomas has been since entering the league in 2016, it's not far-fetched to think he may be the highest paid wideout when the contract gets finalized.

Thomas led the NFL in receptions last season and has more receptions through his first three seasons than anyone in NFL history. He still believes the contract will work itself out before the season rolls around, so talks between his agent and the Saints will likely carry through the rest of the offseason.

When the dust settles, expect Thomas to be sitting on a mountain of cash, and the Saints to have locked down one of the game's best wide receivers to a long-term deal.