New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton was unusually loose-lipped during his press conference following Tuesday’s minicamp practice, which was broadcast live on social media and the Saints website.
Payton praised defensive end Cameron Jordan and his “much-deserved” contract extension to keep him in New Orleans through 2023. He took things a step further by noting that wide receiver Michael Thomas, a 2018 first-team All-Pro, is the team’s next priority to re-sign. And Payton didn’t stop there. He suggested that general manager Mickey Loomis and his staff have already begun preparing for negotiations with Thomas’ representatives.
It would be something of a coup for the Saints to re-up Thomas and Jordan so far ahead of schedule (Thomas is scheduled for free agency next year, while Jordan was two years away before signing his extension), especially considering their limited salary cap resources in 2019. But it’s very feasible if they structure both deals appropriately.
Considering that Jordan and Thomas are two pillars of the team on each side of the ball and there are many other contracts coming down the pipeline, it makes sense for the Saints to get out in front of as many deals as possible.
Here’s a refresher on some significant Saints free agents in each of the next two years (unrestricted free agents only):
2020
- QB Drew Brees
- QB Teddy Bridgewater
- WR Michael Thomas
- CB Eli Apple
- OL Andrus Peat
- S Vonn Bell
- DT David Onyemata
2021
- RB Alvin Kamara
- DT Sheldon Rankins
- S Marcus Williams
- OL Larry Warford
- LB Demario Davis
