By: John Sigler | 3 hours ago

The legend of Michael Thomas just keeps growing. You can’t guard him. The Los Angeles Chargers secondary couldn’t even foul him in Thursday’s joint practices. He’s set the NFL record for most catches through the first two years of his pro career, and is still on a rookie contract until spring 2020.

The independent consultants at Optimum Scouting have run the numbers and come up with a big projected extension to Thomas’s rookie deal: 5 years, $85-million with $55-million guaranteed. That averages out to $17-million per year with 64.7-percent guaranteed. Take a deep breath.

The Saints don’t have a history of paying skills position players, except for Jimmy Graham. And even he got a 4 year, $40-million contract with just $21-million in guarantees (52.5-percent). The next-closest receiver to see a payday was Marques Colston, who agreed to a 5 year, $40-million deal thad had just $19-million guaranteed (47.5-percent).

Don’t even think about asking whether Thomas is worth big money: he is, without a doubt. He’s put himself in the conversation with Antonio Brown, DeAndre Hopkins, Adam Thielen, Keenan Allen, Tyreek Hill, and Julio Jones as one of the best wide receivers in football.

So it would be very unprecedented for New Orleans to break the bank for Thomas, even if doing so is still a few years away. Sure, they could designate him with the franchise tag in 2020 to put it off another year. But then they run the danger of negotiating with Thomas while several other stars are up for renewal. Here’s the list of notable names:

2020 Saints free agents

• Drew Brees, QB
  
• Michael Thomas, WR
  
• Max Unger, OL
  
• Andrus Peat, OL
  
• David Onyemata, DL

2021 Saints free agents

• Cameron Jordan, DL
  
• Sheldon Rankins, DL
  
• Trey Hendrickson, DL
  
• Alex Anzalone, LB
  
• Larry Warford, OL
  
• Alvin Kamara, RB
  
• Marcus Williams, DB

I really don’t think the Saints want to get into a position where they have to decide between keeping Thomas and Kamara long-term, or any of the other young talents on the roster. Franchise cornerstones Brees and Jordan will need to be dealt with soon, though it’s possible Brees retires at the end of this contract.

It would be great if New Orleans got out in front of this and signed Thomas to a multi-year extension before he’s due, but that hasn’t been their style. It’s possible Thomas signs that maxed-out contract with a different team someday. For now, let’s just enjoy watching him punk any cornerback lined up against him.