Demaryius Thomas, one of the top wide receivers in the league the past two years, has signed a new deal with the Denver Broncos. According to reports, the deal is for 5 years and $70 million with $43.5 million guaranteed.
Denver and Demaryius Thomas reach agreement on matching 5-year, $70 million deal that includes $43.5M GTD, per source.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 15, 2015
REPORT: DEMARYIUS THOMAS SIGNS NEW CONTRACT
Thomas had received the franchise tag from the Broncos, which for wideouts would’ve guaranteed him a $12.823 million contract in 2015. The contract comes just before the deadline for contract negotiations expires and minutes after the announcement of Dez Bryant’s new deal in Dallas.
Having become one of Peyton Manning’s favorite targets, Thomas has slowly but surely established himself as an elite pass-catcher. Since Manning arrived in Denver, the soon-to-be sixth-year player out of Georgia Tech has yet to finish outside the top ten league-wide in receiving yards. In those three seasons, he has amassed a mightily impressive 4,483 receiving yards and 35 touchdowns.
Thomas’ best performance in the postseason came last year as part of Denver’s run to Super Bowl XLVIII. Though the Broncos fell in fairly decisive fashion to Seattle, he finished the 2013-14 playoffs averaging 102 yards per game and led all receivers with three touchdowns. This past postseason was not as successful, as Thomas was only able to muster 59 receiving yards and a single touchdown reception in their divisional round defeat at the hands of Indianapolis.
As the Broncos continue to make moves solidifying their receiving corps, another long-term issue the team will have to address at some point concerns life after Manning. He took a $4 million pay cut recently and there will continue to be speculation as to whether 2015 will be his final season. Is Brock Osweiler the future at the position for the franchise when Manning hangs it up or will they look elsewhere to ensure Thomas and company can continue to excel?
For now, the Broncos should continue to be looked at as the team to beat in the AFC West and Thomas will play a significant role towards ensuring that the status quo remains the same.
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