Demaryius Thomas, the franchise-tagged No. 1 wide receiver for the Denver Broncos, said this offseason he will hold out unless he's given a long-term contract. He also reportedly wants "Calvin Johnson" money, which refers to the seven-year, $113 million extension he inked in 2012.
According to reports, the Broncos have offered Thomas a long-term deal that doesn't reach Johnson's stratosphere, but would make Thomas the second-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL. Right now Minnesota Vikings wideout Mike Wallace is the league's second highest-paid player; his deal is for five-years at about $12 million a season with $30 million guaranteed. Specific numbers aren't available right now regarding Denver's offer, but 9 News reported it's "well north" of Wallace's pact.
Thomas has been one of the NFL's most consistent wide receivers. He has caught no fewer than 92 passes, amassed at least 1,430 yards and scored double-digit touchdowns in each of the last three seasons. 2014 was the finest season of Thomas' career; he reeled in 111 passes, racked 1,619 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. 2013 was his banner year for touchdown catches (14).
There are concerns about handing out such a huge contract for Thomas though, despite the production. It is unclear how much of his big numbers can be attributed to having Peyton Manning, one of the most prolific passers of all time, running the offense. At 39 years old Manning does not have much time left, and Thomas' contract could become an albatross if his production falls off without Manning under center.
In addition, 9 News writes that the last few Super Bowl-winning teams did not have big budgets at the wide receiver position. In 2014 the top three teams in terms of wide receiver spending all missed the postseason and combined for just 23 wins.
[9 News]
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