Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning reportedly isn't a happy camper at the moment, which is pretty understandable considering his most explosive weapon and de facto No. 1 receiver Demaryius Thomas isn't currently in Denver working out with Manning and the rest of the team.
"Peyton Manning is already upset that Thomas doesn't have a new deal and isn't in Denver, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday's edition of NFL Total Access," according to Chris Wesseling of NFL.com.
The notoriously pragmatic and hard-working Manning likes to use offseason workouts to develop a rapport with his receiving corps - his fading athleticism and increasingly injury-prone body likely make this an even more pressing requirement nowadays - and Thomas' absence will mean a shorter window for the two to hone their on-field chemistry prior to the start of the regular season.
According to Wesseling, even that may potentially be in question, though.
"If there is no deal in place by the deadline, Rapoport adds, don't expect Thomas to report to training camp."
According to Rapoport, via Wesseling, if Thomas misses training camp it will only serve to "further aggravate" Manning, who, at 39, may be chasing his final Super Bowl championship.
The problem, as it always seems to be when it comes to contract disputes between player and team, is Thomas' asking price in relation to his actual value - something which, according to Rapoport, has been hotly contested thus far.
"League executives have suggested to Rapoport that Thomas deserves to be paid on par with Calvin Johnson, who signed an eight-year, $130 million contract in 2012."
There's no doubting that the Detroit Lions pass-catcher has been a better player than Thomas to this point - he's still probably the best receiver in the league - but deals like this aren't just meant to pay for previous production. Future projections need to be included as well and Thomas is both two years younger than his fellow Georgia Tech alum and has, over the past three seasons, proven to be more durable than Johnson, appearing in all 16 games each year since 2012.
Last season, Thomas posted his most productive NFL campaign, nabbing 111 receptions for 1,619-yards and 11 touchdowns. Johnson, on the other hand, nabbed just 71 catches for 1,077 yards and eight touchdowns in 13 injury-riddled games.
While Johnson is an established star, Thomas really isn't all that far behind in terms of production - of course, playing with Manning as opposed to the oftentimes erratic Matthew Stafford is an important factor for consideration. There's also the current construction of the NFL to consider - both the Lions and Broncos offenses boast an array of weaponry. A top receiver can dominate games, of course, but there are other ways to win for both franchise's than just airing it out to one elite wideout.
Still, it's likely not just Johnson's deal or Thomas' asking price that's slowing talks - Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant is also up for a new contract and currently sporting the franchise tag in lieu of a big fat extension while his representatives and the Dallas brass talk turkey. Bryant and Thomas' camps are likely both waiting for the other to do a deal in order to set the market.
Only five short weeks remain for the Broncos and Thomas's camp to come together on a contract extension. Once the July 15 deadline passes, no new deal can be negotiated and Thomas can only operate under a one-year pact.
