When Will Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas Get Paid?

Dec 22, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) warms up before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Cash is flowing right now in the NFL like a new free agency period just began.

Players like Jordy Nelson, Kyle Rudolph, Tyron Smith, and Patrick Peterson have broken the bank in recent days with other players like Joe Haden and Richard Sherman receiving new contracts earlier in the offseason.

Now, it’s the Broncos’ turn to dip into the old wallet and pay up to two of their best offensive playmakers in Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas.

Demaryius Thomas, in particular, has turned into what I would consider one of the two or three best receivers in the league, and should be paid as such. Thomas is playing out the last season of his rookie contract like a trooper, not holding out or causing a fuss about the money situation.

Julius Thomas had a breakout year last year, and the Broncos know that when they extend him, if they are able to soon, they’ll be paying for what they are going to get, which is one of the best up-and-coming tight ends in the NFL.

John Elway set a deadline that the Broncos will stop negotiations after the second week of the pre-season, which is interesting timing considering the starters play the most in the third pre-season game. Read into those tea leaves if you must.

I think ultimately, the Broncos will get deals done with both players but the timing might not keep fans at ease. They may get one guy done before the season, and the other might have to wait and even get franchise tagged next offseason. In an ideal world, the Broncos would be able to pay both of these guys and get them locked into being staples for the franchise for the next five years or so.

With all the cash flowing in the NFL right now, it would almost be a surprise if something didn’t happen.