The Denver Broncos ended contract negotiations with some of their biggest stars during the season in order to eliminate any distractions it might have on the players and the team as a whole. After failing to negotiate new deals for players like Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas, the Broncos will have some series work to do in the offseason in order two of their biggest weapons on the field. The question becomes how much is everyone worth?
The Broncos are hoping to retain both players for the future, but determining the worth of someone like Julius Thomas could be incredibly tough. Since taking over as a starter in September of 2013, Thomas has 24 total touchdowns. According to NFL.com, he is the first tigh tend in history to have at least 12 touchdowns in back-to-back seasons. Considering it is only the second week of November, he will certainly surpass those numbers. He has earned the spot as Peyton Manning's No. 1 weapon, so how will the Broncos repay him in dollar signs?
According to NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah, Thomas is out-performing the likes of Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham through this point in the season.
"Skill-set wise as a tight end, he gives you everything," Jeremiah said, via NFL.com. "He can run after the catch, he can post you up in the middle of the field, he has a great feel in the red zone. He's an outstanding tight end and a big-time weapon for Peyton Manning."
Thomas will earn a lucrative long-term deal, but will it be on par with what Graham and Gronkowski are making. Graham just came off of lengthy contract negotiations with the New Orleans Saints before agreeing to a deal worth four years and $40 million with $20 million in guaranteed money. Gronkowski signed a six-year contract with the Patriots back in 2012 worth six years and $54 million. Can Thomas expect something along those lines? NFL.com suspects Thomas will ink something worth $7 million.
The Broncos have a lot to think about in terms of contract and salary cap space considering Demaryius Thomas is expecting to earn upwards of $60 million in deal, similar to what Mike Wallace signed with the Miami Dolphins a year ago. If anything, Wes Welker will be the odd man out in negotiations The receiver has reached the end of his deal, but is unlikely to return simply because of health and age issues.
