SmashMouth

Michael Thomas typically flexes after making a catch.

On Thursday, he did it before making one.

Thomas flexed, at least symbolically, 46 days before the start of the season and 24 hours before the start of training camp.

The Saints' oh-so-productive, Mr. Reliable receiver was a no-show when the team reported to the team's practice facility in Metairie.

According to a source, Thomas won't arrive at camp until he and the Saints reach a new contract extension.

But don't panic, Saints fans.

Not yet, anyway.



Best guess here is that a blockbuster deal that will make Thomas one of the highest-paid receivers in NFL history will happen sooner than later.

Thomas has one year remaining on his rookie contract. He and the Saints were hoping to reach a new deal before the start of training camp Friday, so as not to have that hanging over their heads throughout the season and spilling over into next summer.

"Yeah, it bothers me, because, look, it’s a reflection on the job that we do," Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said. "In a perfect word, this would be done, and we’d both feel either real good about it or both feel real bad about it and he’d be in there working. Look, one thing I know: I know Michael Thomas wants to be here, so it’s not a question of him not wanting to be here."

If Thomas didn't want to practice without a new contract, he wouldn't have shown up at OTAs and minicamp in May and June. Thomas loves practice just as much as much as he loves playing on Sundays — a trait his teammates often rave about.

So don't expect this to linger.

Here are a couple reasons why.

Loomis, when asked if the two sides are far apart, responded: "I wouldn't say that."

All other indications say the same.

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