Michael Thomas, once regarded as the NFL’s premier wide receiver, has navigated a career defined by record-breaking highs and injury-plagued lows.
As a former Offensive Player of the Year, his “CantGuardMike” persona became synonymous with elite route running and reliable hands.
In this article, you will know Michael Thomas’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Michael Thomas’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael William Thomas Jr. |
| Date of Birth | March 3, 1993 |
| Age | 32 Years Old |
| Education | Ohio State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 212 lbs (96 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2016 (Drafted) |
| Net Worth | $45 Million – $50 Million (Estimated) |
| Career Earnings | ~$75 Million+ (NFL Contracts) |
| Current Status | Free Agent / Veteran |
| Wife/Partner | Mariah |
| Instagram Profile | @cantguardmike |
Early Career
Michael Thomas was born in Los Angeles, California, into a family with deep football roots—his uncle is former NFL star Keyshawn Johnson. He attended Taft High School, where he showcased flashes of brilliance but wasn’t immediately heavily recruited due to academic hurdles.
To improve his standing, he spent a post-graduate year at Fork Union Military Academy, where he refined his discipline and skills, eventually earning a spot at Ohio State University.
At Ohio State, Thomas became a key weapon for the Buckeyes. After a redshirt year and limited action as a freshman, he broke out in his sophomore season (2014), helping lead the team to a National Championship victory over Oregon.
Throughout his college career, he was known for making clutch catches and using his physicality to dominate defensive backs.
He finished his time in Columbus with 113 receptions for 1,602 yards and 18 touchdowns, declaring for the NFL Draft after his junior season as one of the most pro-ready receivers in his class.
Professional Career
The New Orleans Saints selected Michael Thomas in the second round (47th overall) of the 2016 NFL Draft, a pick that would soon look like a massive steal. He exploded onto the scene as a rookie, instantly becoming Drew Brees’ favorite target.
By his second season, he was a Pro Bowler, and by 2019, he was historically dominant. That year, he set the NFL single-season record with 149 receptions, racking up 1,725 yards and earning the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
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However, the years following his record-breaking campaign were marred by injuries. An ankle injury in 2020 began a cascade of health issues that cost him the entire 2021 season and limited him to just a few games in 2022 and 2023. Despite these setbacks, his impact on the franchise was undeniable.
In March 2024, the Saints released him with a post-June 1 designation, ending his tenure in New Orleans. As of 2025, Thomas remains a high-profile free agent, with teams monitoring his health for a potential veteran comeback.
Michael Thomas’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Michael Thomas has an estimated net worth between $45 million and $50 million. This wealth was largely accumulated through his record-setting contract extension with the Saints and prudent financial management during his peak earning years.
Contract
In 2019, Michael Thomas signed a massive five-year, $100 million contract extension with the New Orleans Saints, which included $61 million in guaranteed money.
At the time, this deal made him the highest-paid wide receiver in NFL history. Although he was released in 2024, the guaranteed portion of this contract secured his financial future regardless of his later injury struggles.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Michael Thomas does not have an active NFL salary as he is currently a free agent. His previous contract with the Saints had him earning an average annual value of roughly $19.25 million during its peak.
Any future deal signed in 2025 would likely be a veteran “prove-it” contract, significantly lower than his prime years, likely in the range of $1.5 million to $4 million depending on incentives.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Cash Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Total | — | ~$75,567,810 |
| 2023 | Saints | ~$1,260,000 |
| 2022 | Saints | ~$11,035,000 |
| 2021 | Saints | ~$1,000,000 (Restructured) |
| 2020 | Saints | ~$11,000,000 |
| 2019 | Saints | ~$21,648,043 (Bonus Heavy) |
| 2016-2018 | Saints | ~$5,000,000 (Rookie Deal) |
Endorsements
At his peak, Michael Thomas was a marketable superstar. He signed lucrative endorsement deals with major brands including Jordan Brand (Nike), appearing in commercials and wearing exclusive cleats.
He also partnered with Panini America for trading cards and Beats by Dre. While his endorsement income has dipped with his playing time, he still retains value as a recognizable NFL figure.
Career Stats
| Stat Category | Record / Detail |
|---|---|
| Receptions | 565 |
| Receiving Yards | 6,569 |
| Touchdowns | 36 |
| Games Played | 83 |
| Record | Most Receptions in a Single Season (149) |
| Accolades | 2x First-Team All-Pro, 3x Pro Bowl |
FAQs
1. Is Michael Thomas still in the NFL?
Michael Thomas is a free agent. He was released by the New Orleans Saints in March 2024 and is currently available to sign with any team.
2. What is Michael Thomas’s net worth?
His estimated net worth is approximately $45 million to $50 million, largely derived from his $100 million contract extension signed in 2019.
3. Why did Michael Thomas stop playing?
Thomas has struggled with severe injuries since 2020, including a nagging ankle injury and toe surgery, which caused him to miss significant playing time over his last three seasons with the Saints.
4. Does Michael Thomas have a wife?
Michael Thomas keeps his romantic life private. He has a son but has not publicly confirmed being married or the identity of a current wife.
5. What record does Michael Thomas hold?
He holds the NFL record for the most receptions in a single season, catching 149 passes during the 2019 season.
