The Denver Broncos have Demaryius Thomas away from team workouts while dealing with a contract situation and after the franchise tag was used, a holdout is likely this summer in training camp, as reports have Thomas not signing before Dez Bryant and this comes as the Broncos may target names like Ameer Abdullah, Jeremy Langford, Tevin Coleman, Duke Johnson and Maxx Williams in the draft for Peyton Manning.
The Broncos used the franchise tag earlier this offseason on Thomas after not being able to come to an agreement on a long term deal. According to Denver Post reporter Mike Klis, that was an expected development for the Broncos, as they did not think they would get a deal done in time before having to use the franchise tag. Thomas has not signed his tender and according to the Denver Post, he currently is not with the team at the start of voluntary workouts.
Klis reports that Thomas is likely to stay away from the offseason program this year and that he won't sign a "long-term agreement before Dez Bryant." Thomas likely will want to use that contract as jumping off point in his negotiations, as he is younger than Bryant and looking to be just as dominant of a player. Thomas has the chance to sign a major deal, but right now the two sides are not close to getting anything done.
The contract for 2015 is a $12.823 million tender for a one year deal and that is less than what Thomas would likely get in a long term contract. Jeff Legwold on Twitter writes that Thomas "won't make waves if he doesn't get a long-term extension", but that doesn't mean he will show up to the offseason program either. Thomas is likely waiting for the right time to get a deal done and if Bryant ends up taking the one year deal, Thomas could follow suit. The teams have until July 15 to work out a deal.
Thomas was the top receiver for Peyton Manning last season and he comes in after making 111 catches for 1619 yards and 11 touchdowns. Thomas set career highs in receptions and yards last season and he comes in after playing in all 16 games and making at least 90 receptions for 1400 yards and 10 touchdowns in each of the last three seasons.
The Broncos may look at running backs in the upcoming NFL draft, as they dealt with injury issues at the position last season. CJ Anderson ended up breaking out when Montee Ball went down and while the team already has Ball, Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson, the Broncos could look for more depth. The position is deep this year and names like Melvin Gordon, Todd Gurley and Ameer Abdullah are some of the best out there.
According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Michigan State running back Jeremy Langford has visited with the Broncos and players like Tevin Coleman, Ameer Abdullah and David Cobb are also potential targets. Langford could be a mid-round option, while Coleman has been getting more attention as the draft gets closer. Coleman set record at Indiana last year and is also a target for the Cowboys.
