Mike Klis of 9 News reports that the Broncos and WR Demaryius Thomas have exchanged contract proposals just a few day before the deadline to negotiate with franchise players.
According to Klis, the Broncos are offering Thomas “substantially more” than the contract of the $12 million per year Vikings WR Mike Wallace makes.
However, sources tell Klis that Thomas is seeking a contract that would exceed the record contract signed by Calvin Johnson.
This is interesting given that recent reports indicated that Thomas was looking for something in the range of Johnson’s $16 million plus per year.
The Broncos have reportedly acknowledged through their latest offer that Thomas is a special player who they would like to retain for the foreseeable future. Klis adds that there’s still a chance they could get a final-hour agreement in place before the deadline.
Earlier in the day, Jason Cole reported that the Broncos and Thomas are unlikely to reach an agreement on a long-term deal before Wednesday’s deadline, and Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk added something similar.
Thomas, 27, stands to make a base salary of $12.82 million guaranteed for the 2015 season under the franchise tag.
In 2014, Thomas caught 111 passes for 1,619 yards receiving and 11 touchdowns over the course of 16 games. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 5 receiver in the league out of 110 qualifying players.
We’ll have more regarding contract talks between the Broncos and Thomas as the news is available.
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