On Tuesday the Denver Broncos begin their three-day mandatory minicamp at Dove Valley. However, they will still be without their most potent weapon for Peyton Manning as Demaryius Thomas is not expected to be in attendance according to Albert Breer of the NFL Network.
Broncos aren't expecting Demaryius Thomas at minicamp. And this 1 is a blip on the radar. Hasn't signed his tender, so they can't fine him.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 9, 2015
While neither the team, nor Thomas, seem to be panicking yet, time is beginning to become a concern to get a deal done.
If Denver and Demaryius Thomas fail to do a deal by 7/15, can't do one until after the season. Would cost $15.39 million to tag him in '16.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) June 9, 2015
The franchise tag that Thomas has been offered is worth $12.823 million this season. That would make him the second highest paid receiver in the league, behind only Calvin Johnson of the Lions. If an agreement on an extension is not reached, Thomas will have little choice other than to play under the 1-year deal this season.
The issue with having to franchise Thomas again in 2016 goes beyond money. Von Miller will also become an unrestricted free agent after this season, and could be in line to get the franchise tag placed on him. With only one tag to give, if a deal isn’t reached with Thomas, the Broncos will need to decide which player they want to keep out of the two.
The Broncos were in a similar situation with left tackle Ryan Clady in 2013, but were able to sign him to a 5-year extension right at the deadline.
