Chris Humphreys – USA TODAY Sports
Demaryius Thomas has emerged as one of the NFL‘s top receivers in recent years which earned him the franchise tag from the Denver Broncos this offseason as the two sides work on a long-term deal. Thomas has yet to sign his tender (worth $12.823 million) and has announced that he will not be attending Peyton Manning‘s passing workouts or the Broncos’ offseason workout program and that could benefit Denver in the long run.
First order of business: DT is going to be a Bronco for a very long time. Denver is committed to locking up the talented wideout with a long-term deal just as they did with the last two players to get tagged by the Broncos — left tackle Ryan Clady and kicker Matt Prater. Thomas staying away from offseason workouts is common for franchised players to keep the pressure on their agent and the team as they work on getting the new deal.
That being said, Thomas skipping these offseason workouts could prove beneficial to both sides. DT will get his long-term deal and give himself time to fully heal from ankle and Achilles injuries that have lingered since the end of the season. That will allow him to come into the season happy, thanks to the big deal he’s sure to receive, and healthy, ready to put together another elite season as the No. 1 receiver in Denver’s aerial attack.
Additionally, his absence will open the door for some other pass catchers to get some much-needed reps during the offseason. Tight end Owen Daniels is new to the offense and will benefit from any reps he can get with Manning before the season kicks off. More importantly, though, it opens the door for young players like tight end Virgil Green and receiver Cody Latimer to grow into expanded roles for the 2015 season.
Green is expected to see a huge uptick in production this season after he re-signed with the team in free agency and fellow tight end Julius Thomas left to join the Jacksonville Jaguars. Up until now, Green has been used primarily as a blocking tight end and recorded just six receptions last season for 74 yards and a touchdown (from backup Brock Osweiler). Coaches expect him to step up in the passing game this season and present an option that is comparably athletic to Julius Thomas with a superior blocking ability in the running game.
Latimer is a second-year player many are expecting to see a huge jump in production from this season. The Broncos need him to prove that he’s ready to handle the increased workload after playing just 37 snaps last season and recording two catches for 23 yards, especially with Wes Welker, the No. 3 receiver in 2014, no longer being with the team. With a full year under his belt to absorb the playbook, Latimer should really benefit from the added reps he will see at Manning’s workouts at Duke University and in the team’s offseason workouts while DT is at home in Georgia.
Demaryius Thomas is the Broncos’ No. 1 threat in the passing game and will continue to be so even without participating in offseason workouts with the team. By staying away, DT is allowing his body to heal, his agent to work out his long-term deal, and the supporting cast the Denver needs to step up in 2015 to get up to speed.
You can follow Tyler Brett on Twitter @ATylerBrett, on Facebook and on Google.
