Denver Broncos Rumors: Demaryius Thomas Holdout Forces Wes Welker Return? Michael Crabtree, Hakeem Nicks Options for Emmanuel Sanders, Cody Latimer Rotation

Mar 31, 2015 11:58 AM EDT
Demaryius Thomas
Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas runs in for a touchdown during a 2014 home game."

The Denver Broncos tried to get Demaryius Thomas inked to a long-term contract for over a year. The two sides have been in talks since before the 2014 season about getting the wide receiver a new deal and yet nothing has been agreed upon. Now working under a franchise tag, Thomas is preparing to hold out and not attend spring workouts with the team.

According to ESPN's Jeff Legwold, Thomas will not be taking part in certain team workouts including the trip to Duke University with Peyton Manning and the rest of the wide receivers. Every year Manning brings his offensive teammates down to Duke's facilities for a week of practices, but Thomas is not prepared to attend as part of a holdout. Legwold writes that Thomas is also preparing to holdout of Denver's offseason program which is normal for players forced into a franchise tag rather than a long-term contract.

Thomas insists that he is remaining healthy and in shape for football season. The wide receiver told ESPN that he is currently working out in Atlanta and waiting while his contract situation resolves itself. "I'm getting my body right, still working through a little soreness in my Achilles, but I could run routes," Thomas said.

The deadline for Denver to sign Thomas to a new deal is July 15. They would be wise to keep the receiver happy since they are counting on him to be improved in 2015 in order for the franchise to bounce back after firing John Fox. The Broncos have Emmanuel Sanders back along with Cody Latimer, but Thomas is critical to the team's success. Could his holdout force Denver to bring on one more option for spring workouts and training camp?

According to the Denver Post, the return of Wes Welker is not in the books. The slot receiver has barely been heard from since his contract expired with the team. The Green Bay Packers have been linked to Welker, but other than that talk and interest have been quiet. The Broncos can be added to that list as they are unlikely to re-sign Welker after two seasons with the receiver. However, players like Greg Jennings, Reggie Wayne and Michael Crabtree could be options and affordable.

The Broncos will try and get Thomas under contract. The wide receiver is expected to ink a nice deal considering he has not missed a game since 2012 when Manning joined the roster. NFL.com believes Thomas could ink a deal worth upwards of $13 million to $15 million with around $30 million in guaranteed money.

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