Denver Broncos' Demaryius Thomas signs five-year, $70m deal
Wednesday 15 July 2015 21:46, UK
The Denver Broncos have agreed a new five-year, $70m contract with Pro Bowl wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.
Both sides had been in negotiations for months but were unable to come to an agreement on a contract for Thomas, who was designated as the Broncos' franchise player in March.
An agreement prior to the 9pm BST deadline on long-term contracts for franchised players appeared unlikely but the two sides came to a last-minute agreement after fellow Pro Bowl wide receiver Dez Bryant signed a five-year, $70m with the Dallas Cowboys.
Thomas was scheduled to earn $12.8m in 2015 under the franchise tag but his earnings will exceed that under his new deal, which includes $43.5m guaranteed.
The 27-year-old has made the Pro Bowl the last three seasons and has developed a strong rapport with quarterback Peyton Manning. His 111 catches in 2014 were a career best and trailed only Antonio Brown's 129 catches.
Thomas has had at least 92 receptions and 1,430 yards the last three seasons. He also had a career-best 1,619 receiving yards in 2014.
The 2010 first-round pick has totalled 351 catches for 5,317 yards and 41 touchdowns in his first five NFL seasons.
With star pass rusher Von Miller scheduled to hit free agency after the season, it was important for the Broncos to get Thomas signed to a long-term deal so the team will have its franchise tag available to use next season.
