Michael Thomas, Tyreek Hill and big money for wide receivers
By Matt Conner
New Orleans Saints wideout Michael Thomas reportedly wants $22 million annually. How much will that affect Tyreek Hill’s extension?
Every NFL contract extension these days is setting record highs at almost every position, so it’s not surprising that Michael Thomas wants to do the same at wide receiver. The New Orleans wideout reportedly wants $22 million annually to stay in the Big Easy for the foreseeable future, and both sides seem close enough to make something happen around that neighborhood.
In short, Michael Thomas should have a record deal in short order—to the tune of $20 million per year.
[Let’s get one thing clear at the top of this column: the full scope of any and all investigations around Tyreek Hill’s family are not yet settled and anything is still possible in terms of repercussions. For our purposes, we’re leaning into the idea that he’s going to be back with the team for the long term. We realize this premise could be a faulty starting point.]
What does Thomas’ looming extension mean for a player like Tyreek Hill?
If Hill serves out a suspension and returns to form with the Chiefs, it’s likely that the surrounding drama of this offseason begins to fade from the bright lights of primetime wins and playoff hopes. Hill was already well on his way to a shiny new extension this offseason as well, along with defensive lineman Chris Jones and, potentially, cornerback Kendall Fuller. Unfortunately when Hill’s future was called into question (not just with the team but with the NFL), the contract became the last thing anyone was worried about.
If the dust settles, the money will again be the centerpiece and it’s here that things become interesting for both sides. Hill is an All-Pro talent who has already set franchise records and seems destined for immortality at his production rate (and the fact he’s paired long-term with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback). The expectation is to be rewarded as such. Production equals pay.
But the Chiefs stood beside Hill at a time when other franchises might have bailed. And the cloud hanging overhead could always come back. It was shocking at just how quickly Hill’s standing as a professional football player was potentially sidetracked.
Should the Chiefs step out on a long-term limb for a player who has endured such big questions in recent days? Should Hill expect the same demands as a player with zero off-the-field concerns or history?
Next. What have we learned about the Chiefs OL?. dark
These are very real questions for both sides as they try to find a middle ground for generational wealth. Few NFL teams have had to navigate these waters given the rarity of the scenario. Will Thomas set the benchmark for Hill? Will he settle for less? Is a long-term extension even on the way? These are all questions to be answered in the near future for the Chiefs.