NFL Rumors: Peyton Manning the key to Broncos keeping Julius Thomas?

The Denver Broncos are facing some serious change this offseason, but Peyton Manning may be the key to keeping both Julius Thomas and Demaryius Thomas on roster in 2015. 

With NFL free agency just around the corner, teams like the Denver Broncos are running out of time to make a final decision on pending free agents. For the Broncos, two of those top free agents are Julius Thomas and Demaryius Thomas — Peyton Manning’s top two receiving targets.

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It’s widely believed that Demaryius Thomas is the priority over Julius for the Broncos which would mean the tight end hits free agency in a few days time.

According to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the Broncos franchise tagging Demaryius Thomas would likely mean the end of Julius Thomas in Denver — but Peyton Manning could change that.

"If/when Demaryius Thomas gets the tag, the stage will be set for tight end Julius Thomas to hit the market.  While many believe Julius is destined to no longer wear orange (yeah, I said it), quarterback Peyton Manning’s willingness to restructure possibly comes with a specific request to keep both Thomases around for 2015."

It’s a long shot that the Broncos are able to bring back Julius Thomas, but it’s hardly impossible. It’s clear that if the Broncos can pay Julius Thomas, he’s in the best situation he can be in 2015 to succeed. But if he wants long term success, then Thomas may be best suited to bolt from Denver — money or not — and sign with a team like the Raiders or Jaguars who have money and long term upside.

Denver bringing back both Julius and Demaryius Thomas is not outside the realm of possibility and Manning restructuring his deal will provide cap relief across the board. But it still may not happen, as Thomas needs to think long term and Denver is a small window that’s already start to get sealed shut.

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