Demaryius Thomas Shows He's A Savvy Negotiator By Rejecting Denver Broncos' Latest Contract Offer

Demaryius Thomas Intelligently Rejects Denver Broncos' Latest Contract Offer
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

With all the attention focused on the Dallas Cowboys and Dez Bryant contract situation, the Denver Broncos and Demaryius Thomas are attempting to iron out a long-term deal before the Wednesday deadline as well. The Broncos reportedly offered Thomas a deal “well north” of Mike Wallace‘s five-year, $60 million deal with $30 million guaranteed, which would make Thomas the second-highest paid wide receiver in the NFL. Thomas rejected the offer because he is seeking a deal greater than Calvin Johnson‘s $16.2 million per year contract.

“The highest-paid receiver is Detroit‘s Calvin Johnson, who is making better than $16.2 million a year. Contrary to reports, Thomas is not seeking Calvin Johnson money. Thomas is seeking a deal that is greater than Johnson’s contract, according to sources.” These quotes come from a report published by Denver TV station KUSA.

Thomas is one of the top-three receivers in the NFL. If he were to hit the open market, some team would give him a deal that would make him the highest-paid receiver in the league. I don’t blame Thomas at all. He’s essentially telling the Broncos that he wants the contract that he could get if he left during free agency, and if that’s too expensive for the Broncos, then Thomas is willing to play the 2015 season under the franchise tag and become a free agent next offseason.

Another factor in Thomas’ negotiations is the future of Peyton Manning. If Thomas signs a long-term deal and doesn’t receive the money he deserves before Manning walks at the end of the season, Thomas could be stuck in a situation where the Broncos are going through a transition phase and his numbers could suffer. Playing on the franchise tag allows him to reevaluate his options as an unrestricted free agent and make the best possible decision for himself.

If the Broncos want to make sure Thomas never hits the open market, then general manager John Elway is going to have to present the wideout with a better offer before the 4 p.m. deadline tomorrow.

Jason Fletcher is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.

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