In the NFL, as in the rest of the world, you have to pay for quality. That is why the Denver Broncos will likely have to fork over a hefty sum to try and retain pending free agent wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.
Thomas is one of the marquee pass catchers in the league right now. He finished this past season second in the NFL in receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,619) and tenth in touchdowns (11). While Thomas' stated goal is to remain in Denver, it's no guarantee that he will be a Bronco next season. Once other teams get a chance to speak with him...Well, as the saying goes, money talks.
"It's hard to say. I really don't know. I'm basically letting my agent handle that," Thomas said. "...I'd love to be a Bronco, but I have no idea what they have planned for me."
The Broncos have two realistic options for retaining Thomas in 2015. They can come to an agreement on a long-term deal or use the franchise tag. As far as a long-term contract goes, Thomas will surely be looking to top the four-year $39 million extension Jordy Nelson signed with the Green Bay Packers. It's likely Thomas is looking more for Calvin Johnson money ($16.2 million annual value). The franchise tag doesn't offer much financial relief for the Broncos either, as it cost teams north of $12 million for receivers in 2014.
Despite the high cost, it would be surprising if Thomas wasn't catching touchdowns in Mile High Stadium next season.
"The NFL has a bright group of young receivers, the 27-year-old Thomas included," wrote ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates. "The Broncos have made no secret of their desire to extend Thomas long term, and the receiver surely seems amenable to the idea of being a Bronco for a long time. Frankly, it wouldn't be a surprise to see this deal get done before free agency, especially because the team also has tight end Julius Thomas among its pending unrestricted free agents. Signing one of them long term would keep the franchise tag open for the other. But if Denver is unable to get either player extended in advance of March 2, Demaryius is the slam-dunk choice to receive the franchise tag. He wins with size, speed, power, route running, is a team leader (elected as a captain last season) and makes any passing offense a dangerous one when he is a part of it."
