Michael Thomas has averaged 107 catches, 1,262 receiving yards, and nearly 8 touchdowns per year in his first three seasons, which is probably reason enough to go by the handle @cantguardmike on Twitter.
And with that type of production, it should come as no surprise that the New Orleans Saints wanted to lock in the talented pass-catcher for the foreseeable future:
Well deserved!!! https://t.co/7paajvTnnU
— Allen Robinson II (@AllenRobinson) July 31, 2019
It’s a record-breaking extension for Drew Brees’ favorite target, which includes $61 million in new guaranteed money. That number is a new record for a non-quarterback on the offensive side of the ball. To say that this contract — worth up as much as $100 million over five years — is anything short of a massive, historic deal would not be doing it justice. And as Bears receiver Allen Robinson tweeted above, it’s a well-deserved deal. Good job, guy!
I usually love writing about these types of deals when they go down because I instinctually want to figure out how this will impact what the Bears could do contractually with players in the not-too-distant future. But none of Chicago’s receivers are in a position together that kind of deal, and probably will not be in such a spot if the team hitches its financial wagons to quarterback Mitch Trubisky. In the end, it is good to keep an eye on what is happening at the top of the market to see how things are trending. After all, there is a reason Robinson took notice of Thomas’ new paper in the first place.
The Bears will get a good look at the NFL’s highest-paid receiver in Week 7 when they host the Saints on October 20 at Soldier Field. Hopefully, Kyle Fuller and friends will be up to the challenge of defending the un-guardable receiver.