How Demaryius Thomas’ Five-Year Commitment Affects Other Broncos

Brock Osweiler

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

That brings us to Brock Osweiler. As touched on before, DT committing long-term could push Manning to play out his last year of his current contract.

The quarterback position has a lot of variables in terms of who will be the starter, if not next year, than the year after. The key here is Osweiler becomes a free agent after this seasons, leaving multiple possibilities for what happens at quarterback in 2016 and 2017. However with DT coming back…

Manning could decide not to retire, which would most likely mean Oz is out of here. Next offseason he will be 25 years old, meaning he will have spent four years holding a clipboard under Manning.

For reference, Aaron Rodgers spent three years under Brett Favre before being tabbed the starting quarterback when he was 25. Brock waiting another year would mean waiting a total of five years to become a starter at age 26. At this point, I think Brock’s patience has worn out.

If Manning retires and the Broncos and Oz decide to commit to each other, DT staying gives him the best possible chance to succeed. It’s not just because Thomas is a great receiver, but it’s because of what he’s gone through in his career. There will be perhaps no better teacher to a young quarterback than Demaryius Thomas. He’s been through coaching changes. He’s succeeded in varying degrees in vastly different offenses. And he’s been able to work under vastly different quarterbacks.

Demaryius staying in Denver helps the quarterback situation down the road look a little brighter, if not clearer.