There are always two sides to every NFL story. Take the Denver Broncos for instance. On one side, Denver has been one of the most successful teams in the entire league over the last three seasons, winning at least 12 games every year and making one Super Bowl appearance. On the other, 18 current Broncos are set to hit free agency in March and the team simply doesn't have enough money to re-sign them all.
Two of the more notable pending free agents are wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and tight end Julius Thomas. Regardless of what happens with quarterback Peyton Manning, the Broncos would be foolish to let their preeminent wide receiver walk. Unfortunately, retaining his services may mean losing out on their talented tight end.
The Broncos "are set to wield the franchise tag, if necessary, to keep their ultra-talented No. 1 receiver," NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
"...Applying the franchise tag to Thomas would cost roughly $13 million. It would also limit the organization's options with Julius Thomas, another impending free agent."
If general manager John Elway is dead set on keeping Thomas squared in Denver, it will likely require a long-term deal for Julius and the franchise tag for Demaryius. Julius, after two consecutive seasons with 12 receiving touchdowns, could be looking for a deal in the range of what the New Orleans Saints gave Jimmy Graham (four years, $40 million) or Rob Gronkowski's contract with the New England Patriots (six years, $54 million). Franchising Demaryius would make such a deal very difficult for the Broncos.
Denver will have some money coming off the books - 34-year-old slot receiver Wes Welker is not expected back, ditto for defensive tackle Terrance Knighton - but it may not be enough to keep both Pro Bowlers. Of the two, Demaryius will be the top priority after he ranked second in receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,619) in 2014 while also catching 11 touchdowns.
NFL free agency officially begins on March 10.
