The Denver Broncos are trying to get Demaryius Thomas signed to a new contract before the July 15 deadline, but that appears to be easier said than done as the market for top receivers is simply unknown at the moment. The Broncos and Thomas have been in negotiations after the wide receiver was forced into signing a franchise tag worth $12.823 million. However, those negotiations are reportedly not going anywhere quickly.

According to NFL Media's Rand Getlin, there is a significant gap between what Thomas wants and what Denver is preparing to offer. Thomas alongside Dez Bryant, Julio Jones and AJ Green is eyeing the type of contract that Calvin Johnson signed of seven years paying him $16 million annually with $48 million in guaranteed money. That is the bench mark. However, Getlin writes the Broncos are prepared to offer just north of $13 million.

With negotiations ongoing, Thomas has yet to report to any team practices and could follow in Bryant's footsteps by holding out all of training camp. The Broncos are currently ushering a new coaching staff and playbook, so having Thomas back would be critical to getting the offense moving in the right direction. Peyton Manning and Emmanuel Sanders have made it very clear that they want Thomas signed to a contract now in order to have him back at practice when training camp kicks off.

If a deal is not finalized for Thomas, the Broncos could be forced to sign someone off the free agent market to help with depth. Right now Denver is relying on Sanders, Cody Latimer, Owen Daniels and players like Virgil Green to hold down the receiving game. Could the Broncos bring back Wes Welker to ease the absence of Thomas? According to the Denver Post, the return of Welker is highly unlikely simply because of contract demands. The slot receiver has made it clear that he is healthy and ready to play football again, but is not keen on accepting a one-year, veteran's minimum contract.

The Broncos could eye players like James Jones or Reggie Wayne for help. They are considered the best available at the moment. PredominantlyOrange.com makes the case for Wayne to sign on with Denver simply because of his connection with Manning. There is already chemistry built in with those two which would ease the transition for the receiver. Wayne will likely accept a smaller contract since interest in him has been few and far between. The Broncos do not need a star, just someone to help fill space and Wayne would be the ideal fit.