The Denver Broncos could be without Demaryius Thomas in training camp this summer if the wide receiver pulls a contract holdout, as reports have "no signs of progress" between the team and Thomas on a new deal ahead of the July 15 deadline and it comes as quarterback Peyton Manning and head coach Gary Kubiak are hoping a deal gets done.
Thomas was hit with the franchise tag by the Broncos and the two sides have been working on a long term deal this offseason. John Elway made some comments about Thomas not being with the team for offseason workouts and now a report from the Denver Post has the sides not close to a contract. According to Pro Football Talk, the Denver Post reports that "Thomas wants Calvin Johnson money" and that is what is holding things up.
Troy E. Renck writes that Johnson is making $16 million per season and while Thomas is a worthy candidate, that number is high for any player, including a wide receiver. Renck writes that while Thomas deserves to make "more than Mike Wallace", the Johnson's numbers may not work for the Broncos. The column predicts that the deal will play out as the one year franchise tag offer, which is around $13 million for this season.
The two sides have until July 15 to work out a deal and the best chance for Thomas to get something done is if Dez Bryant signs first. Thomas and other wideouts looking for deals are waiting for Bryant to sign, as he is expected to set the market and value for those players. Reports have Bryant close to signing and if he gets a deal done, that could be the best leverage that Thomas gets for his contract talks ahead of the deadline. Training camp is July 31 and the deadline for a long term deal is July 15.
Johnson signed a mega contract for eight years and $150.5 million with the Lions and that had $60 million guaranteed and that is the most ever for a wide receiver. Thomas has put up some amazing numbers in his last few years, going for at least 90 catches and 1400 yards with 10 touchdowns over the last three seasons. Thomas set career highs with 111 catches for 1619 yards last season and he has had 25 touchdowns in the last two years.
Kubiak is taking over for John Fox and is putting in some new offensive schemes and that is one reason why Peyton Manning is hoping a deal gets done for Thomas. According to NFL.com, Manning said earlier in June that he was "frustrated" that Thomas was not in workouts and that came after Manning signed for a "$4 million pay cut," which could help to sign Thomas. Manning was injured down the stretch last season, but he had another strong year and is expecting to take the Broncos back to the playoffs.
Check here for more on Thomas and the Broncos talks.
Once Bryant signs, Thomas could be the next domino to fall, but if a deal doesn't get done soon, the deadline is only a week away. Bryant reportedly could sign for $100 million, but Adam Schefter at ESPN.com writes that there are still many "details" to be worked out and a deal is "not close".
