Demaryius Thomas signs five-year, $70M deal with Broncos

Its the richest contract in franchise history and includes .5 million guaranteed.

Last year, before he played in the Super Bowl, Thomas told USA Today that his mother and grandmother had never see him play a game in person, but he knew that they follow him on TV. This despite a report from KUSA-TV in Denver, which, citing sources, said the Broncos recently exchanged proposals with Thomas’ agent, Todd France, and the team offered Thomas more than $12 million a year. Remarkable!

Elway said that the team kept Miller’s impending free agency and the upcoming expiration of other contracts for key players in mind while making their deal with Thomas.

If the Broncos’ negotiation strategy with Demaryius Thomas was to do whatever the Cowboys did with Dez Bryant, then the strategy worked to perfection on Wednesday.

For Elway, who owns auto dealerships in Denver, it’s uncharted territory. Contrary to reports, Thomas is not seeking Calvin Johnson money.

Quarterback Peyton Manning said last month that he wished Thomas had been in Denver for offseason workouts, too, but also wanted his top target to get what he deserves in a new contract. Wide receiver isn’t considered a premium position compared to quarterback, left tackle, or edge rusher, but Thomas is a huge part of the future of this franchise. They may even be willing to give Thomas more than that, but they’re not touching the $16 million mark. I don’t think there’s any question that D.T.is one of the top wide receivers in the league and he’s being compensated that way now. The franchise tender for Bryant and Thomas is $12.8 million.

Bryant posted a message on Twitter to Dallas fans Monday, apologizing while saying he “will not be there” if he doesn’t have a new deal by Wednesday’s deadline. “I’m going to go out and put my best game up and have another great year”. Thomas recorded 94 catches for 1,434 yards and 10 touchdowns that season before backing it up in 2013 with 92 receptions, 1,430 yards and 14 scores.

Thomas, a first-round draft pick (22nd overall) in 2010, has blossomed into one of the NFL’s premier wide receivers. The Cardinals beat the Cowboys in his first game back, but they won only two more times the rest of the season. Aside from the obviousness of not wanting him to go to another team – God forbid a division rival like the Chiefs – Denver will want to start the Osweiler era with a franchise wideout capable of helping the transition along.