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Texans, Broncos both win in Demaryius Thomas trade

By Matt Verderame

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 14: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos runs after a catch during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Broncos won 25-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 14: Demaryius Thomas #88 of the Denver Broncos runs after a catch during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Broncos won 25-13. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos dealt longtime receivers Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans, and it’s a great move for both sides.

The first major domino on NFL Trade Deadline Day has come down, and it’s an offensive weapon. The Houston Texans have acquired Demaryius Thomas from the Denver Broncos for a 2019 fourth-round pick, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Through eight games this season, the 30-year-old has 36 catches for 402 yards and three touchdowns in Denver. Last year, Thomas notched 83 receptions for 949 yards and five scores, showcasing his ability to be a top weapon, even with Trevor Siemian as his quarterback.

While both fanbases and pundits will grapple over who won the trade, the answer lies on both sides.

Denver isn’t going anywhere after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday afternoon, falling to 3-5. With Thomas due a robust $17.53 million next year and rookie receiver Courtland Sutton profiling to be a difference-maker, general manager John Elway was certain to cut him for  cap savings of $14 million.

Additionally, this allows Denver to start a rebuild that should have began this past offseason. The Broncos shed salary and age by moving Thomas, while allowing the opportunity for a younger player — Sutton — to flourish.

For Houston, this move makes all the sense in the wold. Thomas isn’t eh player he once was, but he fills a major need with Will Fuller IV being lost for the season due a torn ACL. Thomas gives Deshaun Watson a second receiver opposite DeAndre Hopkins, and when the trio is ready to play together next year, Thomas will slide into the third spot as a chain-moving, possession receiver.

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The Texans are also one of the few teams that can afford to take on Thomas’ salary despite his gradual decline. According to OverTheCap, Houston is slated to have more than $91 million in projected cap space, so taking on Thomas is nothing to worry about. The Texans will still have ample room to keep any in-house free agents such as Jadeveon Clowney and Tyrann Mathieu while still acquiring outside help along the offensive line or in the secondary.