Fansided

NFL 2015: Updating the franchise tag players

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates after a sack against the San Diego Chargers in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) celebrates after a sack against the San Diego Chargers in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) reacts before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) reacts before the game against the Miami Dolphins at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Demaryius Thomas has been one of the best receivers in football since Peyton Manning arrived in 2012. Thomas caught 94 passes for 1,434 yards and 10 touchdowns that season before amassing 92 receptions, 1,430 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2013. Last year, Thomas set a career-high with 111 catches and 1,619 yards along with 11 scores.

All of this production has the 27-year-old out of Georgia Tech looking for the kind of money another GT alum is getting; Calvin Johnson. According to Mike Klis of the Denver Post, Thomas wants to be paid on an elite level, leading to a standoff between Thomas and Broncos management, particularly general manager John Elway.

Johnson is currently in a seven-year, $113 million deal with the Detroit Lions that pays him $48.75 million in guarantees. Denver could technically pay Thomas that, but it would tough to swallow with an extension not far off for outside linebacker Von Miller. The Broncos would be better off playing out the tag and potentially tagging Thomas again, which would be at 120 percent of his current salary cap number (putting him at $15 million in 2016).

At this point, Thomas might be a good bet to play on the $12.8 million tag and try for free agency next year. From Thomas’ standpoint, he would be risking security by not having a long-term deal but keeps his options open for after Peyton Manning presumably retires following this season.

Next: Justin Houston

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