Report: Julius Thomas Turned Down Huge Deal from Broncos
Bye, Felicia.
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According to Spano, a local radio talk show host in Denver, Thomas turned down a deal that would have paid him $8 million a season. As Spano points out, that was at the beginning of last season before Thomas got “injured” (again) and his toughness questioned by his teammates and all of Broncos Country. I would be surprised, shocked, blown away if John Elway even attempts to contact Thomas, let alone re-sign him. It’s clear this is all about Thomas and that’s all that matters.
There’s nothing wrong with that, of course. But you don’t want that on your team or in your locker room; especially when most of Broncos Country is shouting for Peyton Manning to take a pay cut. When Chris Harris Jr., could have gotten way more but knows the chance he has in Denver is special, he set the example. I wonder how Harris feels about this. As he said, he didn’t want to get lost on an awful team like some of his former teammates. We can now include Thomas on that list.
That reported deal would have made Thomas one of the highest paid tight ends in the NFL and he turned it down. That’s because he wants more. As Spano said in his story, “… for Julius Thomas this is a business opportunity and that’s it. Period.”
For those who say “if true,” there’s no reason to doubt Spano. You don’t get something like this if you’re not “in the know.” Elway should and will let Thomas go without so much as an offer or even a “good luck.” There’s no place for a me-first player on the Broncos’ roster, let alone one who can’t stay healthy and is a product of the quarterback he plays with. Now, there’s huge doubt if Thomas was even injured.
Some will compare this to Eric Decker, but had he been offered that kind of jack by the Broncos, Decker would have stayed. Decker would not have turned that down. And at least Decker has a passion for the game. Where the comparison does hold is Thomas will not put up anywhere close to the numbers he has with PFM – if Thomas can even stay healthy. Or wants to even play. Why would anyone want a player like this in their organization? I can think of one. Fitting isn’t it?
How anyone could turn down $8 million a season because they want more is beyond me. I guess if you’re in that situation, some guys want all they can get and that’s all that matters. They don’t care about winning. They don’t care about championships. All they care about is money and how much they can get.
Questions have surfaced about Thomas since he “injured” his ankle. Now they’re emphatic statements. Rumors the last few weeks have Thomas linked to the Oakland Raiders. These things write themselves. Talk about a perfect marriage. As I said, fitting.
Give me a guy like Harris any day of the week. Those are the type of players and men the Broncos want and need. This also makes it clear how crucial it is for the Broncos to bring back Virgil Green. Who else could Elway look at?
As for Thomas, buyer beware. You’re going after a player who is a product of the system and “doesn’t love football.” Man, but he sure loves money.
Bye, Felicia.
Julius Thomas unearths Broncos Country’s dark side.
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Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports