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Denver Broncos Need To Pay Demaryius Thomas

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The Denver Broncos’ ongoing situation with star wide receiver Demaryius Thomas is starting to become concerning. GM John Elway’s comments about there being no progress on a long-term deal, plus Thomas’ absence at offseason workouts, don’t bode well for a team that is in Super Bowl-or-bust mode. Thomas is going to be a big part of that equation, and the Broncos need to end this now and pay the man what he’s worth.

Since exploding onto the national radar in 2012, Thomas has averaged 99 catches, just under 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns per year. Without a doubt, he’s been Peyton Manning’s favorite target, and is a big reason for Manning’s elevated stats since his arrival in Denver. So, it should go without saying that Thomas is worth whatever he’s asking, which I’ll bet is a contract that will make him the highest-paid receiver in the game. He’s the kind of productive playmaker worth making concessions for.

Thomas’ importance to the team also needs to be considered. His presence on the field makes life so much easier for guys like Emmanuel Sanders to enjoy breakout seasons. That’s going to be even more important this year now that Julius Thomas isn’t around to handle the middle of the field. Owen Daniels may be enough do the trick this season, but he’s not nearly as dominating.

And as unbelievable as it may sound, Manning is declining and he’s on his last legs. He may no longer be the player who can make everything run well on his own.

I know Denver already offered Thomas a five-year deal that he turned down, but it’s time for Elway to up the ante and pay Thomas the number he thinks he’s worth. He can’t let this whole thing spiral any further out of control. This is not the kind of tone the team wants to set for a championship run, and the Broncos don’t want that tone to involve their best offensive playmaker.

It might cost a lot, but a happy and motivated Thomas could very well be the difference between a Lombardi trophy and disaster.

Doug Green is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com covering the Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL.  Follow him on Twitter @DGreenNFL.

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