Nov 16, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) looks on during the second half against the Denver Broncos at the Edward Jones Dome. St. Louis defeated Denver 22-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Something great happened for the Denver Broncos this week. After it looked like the two might not come to an agreement, the team and Demaryius Thomas shook hands on a five-year, $70 million contract. This contract will keep DT a Bronco until he’s 33.
The two sides were in a standoff, unable to get an extension done. Thomas was set to become a free agent after this season. The Broncos risked losing their All-Pro receiver if they couldn’t lock him into an extension.
There were reports that Thomas, and fellow wide out Dez Bryant, who was in a similar position with the Dallas Cowboys, wanted more money than top-paid receiver Calvin Johnson. The extension Johnson signed in 2012 was a seven-year deal worth $117 million, an insane amount for the position.
More from Broncos News
- Denver Broncos dream coaching staff for DeMeco Ryans
- Denver Broncos: “Sleeper” David Shaw checks every box
- The Broncos’ coaching search likely has not gone to plan
- Special Chiefs Suck Offer: Bet $5, Win $150 if Joe Burrow Passes for ONE YARD vs KC
- 3 reasons Sean Payton should not coach the Broncos
Luckily, on Wednesday Bryant signed a deal that averages $14 million a year and Demaryius followed suit just before the deadline expired.
This deal is good for both sides. First of all, $70 million over five years is a ton of money. I don’t think DT will be losing much sleep over not getting a couple bucks more per year.
Second, the Broncos wrap up their number one wide receiver for the next five years and undoubtedly get the peak years of his career. DT is a player who has succeeded in multiple systems under multiple quarterbacks; this is a great thing with the Broncos having undergone a coaching change and with the overall future of the team beyond this year in limbo.