AsylumGuido

I think the hangup is the structure. Currently, Thomas is only carrying a $1.6M 2019 cap hit. Ideally for him he would want the deal to be a restructure which would encompass any signing bonus be prorated into 2019, thus increasing the overall 2019 cap hit. Thomas, and his agent, want to start reaping the benefits right away.

On the other hand, the Saints would rather the deal be an add-on with 2019 remaining the same and any bonus beginning in 2020, a structure much easier to absorb on the books. The overall dollars can be the same and the guarantee can be the same, as well, but the number juggling can be problematic.

To comply with Thomas' wishes it would require restructuring of other player contracts, something the team would rather not do at this point as it is their "savings account".

“The pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity. The optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” — Winston Churchill