New Orleans Saints: Michael Thomas’ new contract unleashed a monster

In the offseason, the New Orleans Saints signed Michael Thomas to a mega-contract and released an absolute monster in the process.

When most people think of the New Orleans Saints, there are usually a few players that they associate with the team. Mostly, quarterback Drew Brees is the first that comes to mind. Wide receiver Michael Thomas has been the toast of the Big Easy in 2019, though, on pace to smash records again in his fourth season with the Saints.

Back in July, everyone was wondering if Thomas would remain with the Saints long term. Thomas was holding out for a huge new contract and no one blamed him, even if they were worried about the future. The Saints eventually did business, signing Thomas to a market-setting five-year, $96.25 million contract extension.

Any contract disputes seem like a distant memory. Once Thomas put the ink on the paper, a monster emerged that has been terrorizing opposing defenses throughout the 2019 season. Even more impressively, he’s balled out while playing without Brees for much of the year. Yet, the wideout continued to thrive with Teddy Bridgewater.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

When Brees did return, it didn’t take long for him and Thomas to get back to their old ways. In Week 10 against the Cardinals, the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback found his highly paid receiver for a fourth-quarter touchdown.

Heading into Week 12, Thomas has 94 receptions for over 1,141 yards, resulting in an average of 12.1 yards per reception. The only place that Thomas is really lacking in this season is touchdowns. Thus far, he only has five touchdowns but that’s nothing in comparison to his other stats. He hasn’t fumbled at all this season and is poised to have the best season of his career.

In addition to breaking his own records, Thomas also has the chance to break multiple NFL records and has broken some already. According to the official Saints website, Thomas is the first NFL player to nab 90 receptions in each of his first four seasons. Additionally, his 94 receptions so far in 2019 are the most catches a player has had in the first 10 games of the season.

As great as Thomas has been in his young career, getting paid has seemingly brought out a new level in the wide receiver. He truly became a monster on the field and an unquestionable nightmare for opposing defenses. Considering that Thomas is only 26 years old, he might not even be done or at his best yet, which is an even scarier notion for opponents.

While he might not actually be a monster, Michael Thomas is truly a one-of-a-kind talent. His 2019 season is just the very beginning of what his production can look like. Given him a full season with Brees and he could be putting up even more absurd numbers. Regardless, the monster that the Saints created with his new contract is looking worth every penny.