Report: Broncos offer WR Thomas huge deal but it isn't big enough
With less than 48 hours remaining for the Denver Broncos and receiver Demaryius Thomas to sign a long-term deal, most reports indicate the two sides are so far apart a deal is not likely to be struck.
But on Monday night, one report at least shed some light on the type of money the All-Pro is hoping to score.
NBC affiliate KUSA in Denver, citing multiple NFL sources, reported that the Broncos offered Thomas a contract that would be second only to Calvin Johnson in terms of overall value … and it likely will not be enough to get Thomas to sign.
According to the report, the team’s offer would pay Thomas “well north” of Vikings receiver Mike Wallace’s five-year, $60 million contract that has $30 million in guarantees. That is the second-richest contract for a receiver in the league. But, according to the report:
“The highest-paid receiver is Detroit's Calvin Johnson, who is making better than $16.2 million a year. Contrary to reports, Thomas is not seeking Calvin Johnson money. Thomas is seeking a deal that is greater than Johnson's contract, according to sources.”
The Broncos placed the franchise tag on Thomas in March -- a move which would promise the receiver a one-year, $12.82 million contract should the sides not strike a deal by the Wednesday deadline. If the sides don’t make a deal, the Broncos could pay Thomas more than the $12.82 million to entice him to not hold out (Thomas has refused to take part in offseason workouts to date). But even then, Thomas would have to play on a one-year contract this coming season.
Thomas has 297 catches, 4,483 yards and 35 touchdowns over the past three seasons with Peyton Manning as his quarterback.
Also on Monday, Thomas learned that his mother Katina Smith’s prison sentence was commuted by President Barack Obama, meaning she will be released this coming November instead of her originally scheduled release date in 2017.
