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Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas has not reported to the facility for training camp, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

Per Rapoport and Garafolo, Thomas is seeking a new contract and he will stay away until the two sides reach an agreement.

The 26-year-old Thomas is heading into the fourth and final year of his rookie contract and is due to make $1.148 million this season. As Profootballtalk.com notes, that’s well below market value for a player who produces at Thomas’s level. Last year Thomas caught 125 passes for 1,405 yards and nine touchdowns, and he has topped 90 catches and 1,100 yards in all three of his NFL seasons.

He's a vital cog in the Saints' offense.

Last season, the rest of the team's wide-receiving corps, six players in all, combined for 1,116 yards.

Thomas reportedly wants $20 million a year, and the Saints don’t appear to be in any hurry to give him that much, especially when they have him on such a bargain of a deal this year and could franchise him next year.

As PFT's Michael David Smith further explained, that means Thomas’s only leverage is to threaten not to play at all if he doesn’t get the contract he wants, and now he’s using that leverage.

Worth noting: There's been some talk that Julio Jones next contract with the Falcons, which by league rule can't be done until July 26 (it was adjusted last year on that day and a new contract can't be done until a full calendar year passes) will be something Thomas and the Cowboys Amari Cooper will use to help determine their value.

So don't be surprised if this one takes a few days. We'll follow up as needed.