The Denver Broncos and quarterback Peyton Manning are reportedly working on restructuring his contract in order to free up money and help ensure that he returns to the field for his 18th NFL season.
According to a new report Thursday, from Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, the restructuring will be "rather significant" and will give Broncos GM John Elway ample cap room with which to operate.
"It could free up as much as $7 to $9 million against the cap for the Denver Broncos to then go out and do some shopping. Obviously their own free agents - Demaryius Thomas, followed by Terrance Knighton, followed by Julius Thomas - would be the key personnel that you would think they'd want to keep," Cole wrote.
The first of the two Thomas', Demaryius, is in no danger of leaving the fold. The team will keep the electric receiver via either the franchise tag or a long-term deal.
Julius, on the other hand - the athletic touchdown-machine at tight end - has a much cloudier future. Speculation has begun to build that he isn't long for the Broncos - his agent event went so far as to allege that people within the Denver organization were "pushing" his client out - and could seek to break the bank elsewhere.
According to Cole, Manning's restructuring could be geared toward keeping Thomas in Denver.
"...one thing to look for is Peyton Manning is probably going to push for them to keep Julius Thomas in some capacity, in some way, shape or form because he's Manning's favorite red-zone target."
Thomas finished both of the past two seasons with 12 touchdown receptions - a fantastic total for any player - and is a match-up nightmare in the opponent's red-zone. Due to his combination of freakish athleticism and size, Thomas can out-muscle smaller cornerbacks and speed past slower linebackers.
He reportedly has his sights set on becoming one of the highest-paid players in the NFL at his position, something which the Broncos and Elway don't seem inclined to make happen.
With Manning's restructuring and deep desire to see his red-zone target remain though, that might change.
