The New Orleans Saints officially started training camp today, and there was one current Saint whose absence was obvious. Saints star wide receiver Michael Thomas did not report for camp as he and the team are still negotiating a long-term contract extension.
The news was reported by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The #Saints have reported and WR Michael Thomas has not arrived at the facility, sources tell me and @MikeGarafolo. He’s seeking a new deal and the two sides are not there yet. Until they get there, he’ll stay away.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) July 25, 2019
Followed by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Starting today, Saints' WR Michael Thomas can be fined $40,000 for each day of training camp that he misses, under Article 42 and Section 1 of the CBA.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2019
Thomas is due to make $1.143 million in the final year of his rookie deal, and is subject to a maximum fine of $40,000 per day for missing camp.
Last season Thomas set franchise records for the Saints with 125 catches and 1,405 yards receiving. He also posted the highest catch rate, 84.5%, in the NFL since the 2001 season.
Thomas’ 321 career catches are the most in the history of the NFL by a receiver in his first three years in the league.
