NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

Denver Broncos need to pay Demaryius Thomas

By Nick Ziegler

facebooktwitterreddit

Like many teams in the NFL, the Denver Broncos used their franchise tag this offseason to keep one of their own.

More from Denver Broncos

The Broncos decided to use the franchise tag on wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, who has quickly become one of the best receivers in football.

In the 2010 NFL Draft, the Broncos selected Thomas in the first-round with the 22nd overall pick from Georgia Tech. In his first two seasons with the Broncos, Thomas’ statistics weren’t very impressive, but neither was the quarterback that was throwing him the ball. In 2012, John Elway and the Broncos brought in Peyton Manning, which instantly resulted in a great offense.

The first season Manning was his quarterback, Thomas would have his breakout season. In 2012, Thomas totaled 94 receptions, 1,434 receiving yards, and 10 receiving touchdowns, all of which were career-highs at that point.

In 2013, Thomas would prove that 2012 was no fluke. In his second season with Manning, Thomas would total 92 receptions, 1,430 yards, and 14 receiving touchdowns. The Broncos’ offense was unstoppable in 2013 until they met the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. In the Super Bowl, Thomas was the only member of the Broncos to have a decent game, as he totaled 13 receptions, 118 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown in the 43-8 loss.

Last season, Thomas got even better for the Broncos, as he totaled 111 receptions, 1,619 receiving yards, and 11 receiving touchdowns. After three straight Pro Bowl seasons, Thomas has become one of the best wide receivers in football, and now he is looking to be paid like it.

Since the Broncos franchise tagged Thomas, they have until July 15th deadline to sign him to a long-term extension. Ian Rapport believes that if there is no new deal in place for Thomas, that Thomas will not be attending the Broncos’ training camp.

The price seems to be the major issue in contract negotiations, as Thomas believes he deserves money similar to the $130 million Detroit Lions’ wide receiver Calvin Johnson received. Johnson was banged up last season, and that resulted in a down year statistically for him. In 13 games last season, Johnson totaled 71 receptions, 1,077 receiving yards, and eight receiving touchdowns.

While surely Thomas wants to get his contract situation settled, so does his quarterback. Manning took a $4 million pay cut in the offseason to help the Broncos’ be able to pay Thomas’ new contract. With no deal done, Manning is becoming frustrated without his No.1 receiver at summer activities.

It’s no secret that Manning is a workaholic, and with a new offense from head coach Gary Kubiak, that is even more true this offseason. Manning’s window is certainly beginning to close, which makes 2015 a very important season for him if he wants to win a second Super Bowl.

The Broncos must get a deal done with Thomas to get Manning his No.1 wide receiver back on the field for Training Camp. While the contract situation for Thomas is important for the Broncos, it will also have a domino effect on the NFL.

Other big name receivers will likely be using Thomas’ contract as the new bar. A.J. Green of the Cincinnati Bengals and Julio Jones of the Atlanta Falcons will be two impacted by Thomas’ new deal.

Ryan Tannehill recently set the bar for quarterbacks this offseason by signing his large deal with Miami Dolphins, and Thomas looks to be that man for fellow wide receivers.

Next: How will Ryan Clady injury impact the Broncos?

More from NFL Spin Zone

Home/Denver Broncos