Top NFL Free Agents Playing Their Way To A Pay Day

By Bryce Olin | Nov 25, 2014

Nov 28, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates with running back DeMarco Murray (29) after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Oakland Raiders during a NFL football game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Julius Thomas (80) runs with the ball after catching a pass as San Diego Chargers strong safety Marcus Gilchrist (38) and free safety Eric Weddle (32) come in for the tackle during the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Julius Thomas

2014 Cap Hit: $741,000

What a crazy few years it’s been for Julius Thomas, the basketball player from Portland State who only played one year of college football before playing in the NFL.

Thomas is a supreme athlete for the position, at least in terms of catching passes. Thomas hasn’t figured out the blocking game yet, and probably never. That takes years of practice and strengthening different muscle to generate leverage against huge defensive players.

As much as I think Thomas is a good football player, I’m not sure he’d be a good fit on many other teams in the league.

Thomas is a one-dimensional player. He’s a matchup nightmare and he’s leading the NFL with 12 touchdowns, but he’s only great in the passing game. And, right now, he plays for the greatest quarterback, statistically speaking, to ever play the game.

Thomas would be a steal for anyone in the league, but if they have to pay top dollar, which would be close to Jimmy Graham’s $10 million per season, I don’t think Thomas would ever live up to that contract unless he had the next Manning throw him the ball.

Whatever Thomas makes next season, it’s going to be much, much, much higher than this $741,000 that he makes this season.

Next: 3. Demaryius Thomas

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