In a move that may surprise many but is quite common, Demaryius Thomas will reportedly skip the Denver Broncos offseason program and Peyton Manning’s annual workouts with the receivers at Duke University.
ESPN Broncos beat writer Jeff Legwold was the first to report the news after speaking with the wide receiver Monday. The news comes after the Broncos decided to franchise tag Thomas this offseason. The tag means that Thomas will play the season on a one-year contract for nearly $13 million.
Every season players that receive the franchise tag on their teams react differently to the decision but it is very common for players to decide to attend only mandatory workouts and training camp after receiving the tag.
According to Legwold, Thomas has been working out and preparing to have another explosive season in Atlanta and is still hoping that at long-term deal can be agreed upon before he is forced to sign the tender offer.
Since placing the franchise tag on Thomas, executive vice president and general manager John Elway has stated several times his desire to get a long-term deal done with the big wide receiver. In the past the team has been able to avoid missed workouts with previously tagged players such as Ryan Clady and Matt Prater by eventually reaching multiple year deals.
Thomas is coming off of his best statistical season but and has shown no signs of slowing down as a top-tier wide receiver in the NFL. In 2014 he caught 111 passes for 1,619 yards and 11 touchdowns. Thomas has until July 15th to sign the tender, at that time the full amount of the contract will be guaranteed.
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