According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Media, Broncos WR Demaryius Thomas is deserving of a similar type of contract to the one signed by Lions WR Calvin Johnson based on his statistics since entering the NFL.
- Rapoport mentions that if the Broncos were to sign Thomas to a long-term deal before the July 15 deadline to negotiate with franchise players, it would end up setting the market for a number receivers.
- Broncos QB Peyton Manning is reportedly “upset” that the team has yet to address Thomas’ contract situation.
- Unless the Broncos get something worked out with Thomas, Rapoport doesn’t expect him to be participating in training camp.
- Rapoport also expects Falcons WR Julio Jones and Bengals WR A.J. Green to also be targeting that kind of money.
The Lions signed to a record-setting eight-year, $150.5 million contract that included $60 million guaranteed. However, since then the receiver market hasn’t been strong enough for another player to push this kind of contract.
The situation is obviously much different with guys like Thomas, Green, Jones and Cowboys WR Dez Bryant all in position for new contracts.
Broncos HC Gary Kubiak mentioned earlier in the week that he’s “confident” that they will have a long-term contract extension in place with franchise Thomas before training camp, but this sounds like it could be complex agreement.
Thomas, 27, stands to make a base salary of $13 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.
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