Demaryius Thomas has been traded from the Denver Broncos to the Houston Texans for a fourth-round pick, and the two teams are trading seventh-round picks, too.
“Demaryius had an incredible run here and we can’t thank him enough for everything he’s meant to the Broncos,” GM John Elway said in a release from the team. “He developed into an elite player over the years, establishing himself as one NFL’s most productive, consistent and reliable wide receivers. D.T. was a big part of so many wins and memorable moments as a Bronco. Although it’s tough to end this chapter, we’re excited about the talent we have at the wide receiver position and wish Demaryius all the best with the Texans.”
For Thomas, a nine-year run with the Broncos has come to an unceremonious close. Denver has missed the playoffs the last two seasons, and it looks like they will again this year, too. It was also the least-productive season for Thomas since his rookie year, way back in 2010.
Still, even as he’s regressed, Thomas is a top-30 receiver in the NFL:
Thank you, @DemaryiusT! #BroncosCountry pic.twitter.com/Q0M7JnDns4
— PFF DEN Broncos (@PFF_Broncos) October 30, 2018
What Thomas’ trade means for Emmanuel Sanders is he is undoubtedly the No. 1 receiver on the Broncos. But, that doesn’t mean Sanders is happy about the trade. In fact, he’s not happy at all:
This one brought me to tears. 5 years my brotha we gave the city all we had. You know the love runs deep between us. Our ties are bigger than football, this is a life bid. La familia. Love you @DemaryiusT — #Htown got a real one! #THUNDERandLIGHTNING pic.twitter.com/JouTxMrvUY
— Emmanuel Sanders (@ESanders_10) October 30, 2018
Sanders has been enjoying his second-best season as a Broncos player this year; with 606 yards and three touchdowns through eight games. But, how will the departure of Demaryius affect Sanders’ coverage going forward? He may be double-teamed more often.
Apparently, Von Miller was shaken up by the move of Thomas, too:
@DemaryiusT ima cry in the car… 😢
— Von Miller (@VonMiller) October 30, 2018
And Brandon Marshall is hoping for success of his former teammate moving forward:
We love you @DemaryiusT! Stay healthy and we wish you the best in Houston (take it easy on us on Sunday;). God Bless! https://t.co/fQ0nW3JUoF
— Steve Atwater (@SteveAtwater27) October 30, 2018
https://twitter.com/ZachKerr92/status/1057336681580228608
I'm gonna miss @DemaryiusT, we did lots of great things in the community. Be well my friend. #YoullAlwaysBeABronco
— Miles (@5280Miles) October 30, 2018
Trust the process my son. It always works out like it should👍🏾… Welcome to Texas @DemaryiusT #BroncosCountry #ThankYouDT https://t.co/UBpJc7ytu3
— D-Ware (@DeMarcusWare) October 30, 2018
#Broncos @thekidmcmanus on trade of DT #Denver7 pic.twitter.com/C3WKluM3PT
— Troy Renck (@TroyRenck) October 30, 2018
I’ve got to play football and be friends with DT for almost 5 years now, and words can’t describe how great of a person and player he is. I will miss you @DemaryiusT good luck brother. pic.twitter.com/jbJXb7qDCN
— Matt Paradis (@two_dice) October 30, 2018
@DemaryiusT hard to see my Boy go . 8 years of making each other better everyday . Ball out big bro just not next week lol
— Chris Harris (@ChrisHarrisJr) October 30, 2018
This week, the Broncos host the Texans, meaning Thomas will likely play against his former team at Mile High Stadium. Certainly, the timing is wild of this trade with those two battling head-to-head this Sunday at 2 p.m. MT.