The Denver Broncos have franchise tagged their best offensive weapon wide receiver Demaryius Thomas before the 4:00 PM EST deadline. Thomas would’ve been the prized free agent this offseason but Denver decided to place the tag on him meaning he will earn $12.823 million guaranteed this season. The salary number is based on the average of the top five salaries at his position.
Denver placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Thomas meaning other teams can negotiate with him but the Broncos have the right to match the offer. Obviously, the Broncos would match any offer, but if for some reason they don’t that team who gets Thomas has to give Denver their next two first-round picks.
It seems reasonable to think that the Broncos and Demaryius Thomas will remain in contact about a long-term extension once free agency begins on March 10th. It was smart for Denver to tag him just in case negotiations don’t go any further.
Current General Manager and Executive Vice President of Football Operations for the Denver Broncos John Elway had this to say about the Broncos move today, “This is another step in our efforts to extend Demaryius’ contract and ensure he remains a Denver Bronco. We will continue working toward a long-term agreement with Demaryius, who is a very important part of our team.”
Thomas, 27, is coming off another career year where he caught 111 receptions for 1,619 yards with 11 touchdown catches. His 1,619 receiving yards is a Denver Broncos franchise-record. Only Antonio Brown had more receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,698) than Demaryius Thomas. In Thomas’ last three seasons he’s averaged more than 1,400 receiving yards and 10 touchdown passes. Only Jerry Rice and Marvin Harrison have done that in three straight seasons. That’s some pretty impressive company.
The Georgia Tech product has elevated himself as an elite receiver in his sixth season. Peyton Manning being his quarterback for the last three seasons has helped his career sky-rocket but there is no doubt he would be a number receiver on most NFL teams.
What made this decision for the Broncos a no-doubter was the fact tight end Julius Thomas is a free agent as well. John Elway made it known he wants to keep both around, obviously, and placing the one-year tag on Demaryius this year helps the Broncos focus on Julius Thomas in free agency. It’s going to be tough to keep both but at least they have one tied down for one more year.
Demaryius Thomas is a big deal for the Denver Broncos current and future success. He was named a team captain this season showing his value as a leader on and off the field. It will be no time until we are breaking the news that Thomas has signed a long-term extension for top tier money.