The Denver Broncos look like they are going to use the franchise tag on Demaryius Thomas if a deal can’t get done in the offseason. There has been a lot of discussion around the NFL about whether or not paying a big time wide receiver is a smart move. Trying not to get into the trap of looking at other teams, the Broncos have a big decision to make about their top offensive weapon.
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To say that Demaryius Thomas is not an elite wide receiver in the NFL would be beyond ridiculous. He has proven since coming into the league that he is one of the top five receivers in the game today. However, is having a guy like Thomas essential to the Broncos ability to win games in the coming season?
Considering the offensive changes that are sure to take place over the next few seasons, is tying up elite money in a wide receiver the smart move long term? Peyton Manning has shown he can turn any receiver into a stud. Perhaps that means Thomas is not necessary to the success of the Broncos in 2015 and beyond.
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) before the start of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
This thought might make Bronco fans cringe, but if Denver could turn those dollars into a big name signing on the defensive side of the ball, and grab offensive line help in the process, it may be worth it to let Thomas walk in free agency.
Considering the offensive changes that are sure to take place over the next few seasons, is tying up elite money in a wide receiver the smart move long term?
Thomas is a stud, and winning now may dictate giving him a big contract, as Peyton Manning is clearly his last run in the NFL. If the Broncos are truly thinking long term, Thomas may not fit into that picture. Manning likes Thomas a lot, but Manning is not going to be around much longer.
During this one last shot for Manning, having Thomas in the fold may be the best move. That means the Broncos have to make a big decision, but not really. Reports are already out there that John Elway plans to use the franchise tag on Thomas if a long-term deal cannot be reached. That may be the best of both worlds.
All for Tennessee
Using the tag on Thomas would keep him in Denver, and allow Manning to have one of his favorite targets for his final season. It would also give the Broncos the option to move on after 2015, and spend their money elsewhere when Manning leaves. That poses an interesting problem for Denver as well.
If the Broncos choose to move on from Demaryius Thomas following the Peyton Manning era, they will lose a solid target that whoever takes over at quarterback would love to have. The receiving corp is far from destitute, as Emmanuel Sanders has established himself as a deep threat, and Cody Latimer looks like he can step into the team with no problems. That being said, it is difficult to replace a guy like Thomas, who can catch any ball, and runs great routes.
John Elway seems to have a long term plan in place for Demaryius Thomas. It will be interesting to see how the team handles Thomas this season, and in the coming seasons, provided a long-term deal does not get done before the season.