Well, There’s Some Trivia For You

Former Denver Broncos and current New York Jets WR Brandon Marshall (not to be confused with Broncos LB Brandon M. Marshall) was answering some questions on Twitter late Thursday night. Most interesting was his answer about who was the best quarterback he played with.

No, it’s not the QB he’s been linked with for most of his career.

“Just bad body.”

Well, yeah, Orton was never gonna make it at Chippendale’s, I’ll grant everyone that.

Robert Mays: Time To Do Away With Franchise Tag

Grantland’s Robert Mays has an interesting article about why it’s time to end the franchise tag in the NFL.

As he points out, it was none other than Pat Bowlen who created the idea, done to ensure a team’s top player couldn’t sign with another team that easily (in the Broncos’ case, John Elway). But while it made sense to use the tag on the likes of Demaryius Thomas, Dez Bryant and Justin Houston, it hasn’t always benefited players.
Continue reading Robert Mays: Time To Do Away With Franchise Tag

Midweek Musings: Reacting to the Demaryius Thomas Deal

So, something happened earlier today, right?

I’m sure every Broncos fan is thrilled that the Broncos and wide receiver Demaryius Thomas agreed to terms on a new contract. Many of us have talked about this previously, that it was likely the Broncos would have to pay him well, but they wouldn’t have to approach Calvin Johnson’s contract to do it. Based on the contract numbers Mike Klis has reported, it’s safe to say the Broncos and Todd France, Thomas’ agent, compromised on a few things.
Continue reading Midweek Musings: Reacting to the Demaryius Thomas Deal

Demaryius Thomas Contract Details

Mike Klis has shared the details about the new contract Demaryius Thomas signed.

The breakdown from Klis’ report:

2015: $22 million. He will receive an $11 million signing bonus, $6.5 million in roster bonus and a $4.5 million salary. All $22 million is fully guaranteed.

2016: $13 million salary, fully guaranteed.

2017: $8.5 million salary, guaranteed against injury. The full salary becomes fully guaranteed early in the league year.

2018: $12.5 million. It includes a $4 million option, plus an $8.5 million salary. None of this money is guaranteed.

2019: $14 million salary, not guaranteed.

I will have more thoughts in my Musings later tonight.

ADDENDUM (Nick): If Klis’s figures are accurate, this is how the contract would look in salary cap terms. Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun also provided more details on July 17.

Base Salary Prorated Bonus Roster Bonus Cap
Number
Dead Money* (pre-June 1 cut) Cap Savings* (pre-June 1 cut)
2015 $4,500,000 $2,200,000 $6,500,000 $13,200,000 $35,000,000 ($21,800,000)
2016 $13,000,000 $2,200,000 $15,200,000 $21,800,000 ($6,600,000)
2017 $8,500,000* $3,533,333 $12,033,333 $15,100,000 ($4,400,000)
2018^ $8,500,000 $3,533,333 $12,033,333 $7,066,667 $4,966,667
2019^ $14,000,000 $3,533,333 $17,533,333 $3,533,333 $14,000,000

*2017’s base salary is included in dead money only for that year, as the Broncos would presumably cut Thomas before February 17 if they did so in 2016.
^The Broncos must exercise an option in 2017 to continue these years, and doing so should mandate that a $4 million option bonus be paid to Thomas, prorated from 2017-2019.  Declining the option should make Thomas a UFA in 2018 that qualifies for the compensatory pick formula.

(more from Nick beyond the fold)

Continue reading Demaryius Thomas Contract Details

And There It Is – Broncos and Demaryius Thomas Agree To Extension

Adam Schefter, everyone.

Certainly there will be more to come. Good news that the Broncos and DT got a deal done.

ETA: I will update what I can, but Schefter is the only one thus far saying an agreement has been reached. Troy Renck has reported this:

Of course, Schefter is likely talking to Thomas’ agent, and Renck may be talking to Broncos officials. But all signs indicate Thomas will be staying with the Broncos.

More updates behind the link.
Continue reading And There It Is – Broncos and Demaryius Thomas Agree To Extension

The Dez Bryant Domino Falls

Ian Rapoport has the news:

As of this writing, Demaryius Thomas and the Broncos have about an hour to agree to a deal.

Regardless, the bar is set for Thomas. $14M per year is one thing, but $16M or more per year like Calvin Johnson got isn’t going to happen.

ETA: Rapoport has additional news. Full vs. injury guarantee remains to be seen.

And You Thought Britton Colquitt Was Overpaid

The Patriots have reached a long-term agreement with kicker Stephen Gostowski. For those who thought the Pats were all about getting deals at great value, look at the numbers Adam Schefter has reported.

That’s $4.3M per year. For a kicker!

Somewhere, Douglas Lee weeps.

On a more serious note, I’m shocked the Pats did this. True, the details of the contract are what matters. But knowing it’s possible to find kickers at more reasonable prices, and knowing that the Pats don’t like overpaying for players, it’s surprising the Pats would make this move.

Justin Houston, Chiefs Agree to Deal

No, this news doesn’t have anything to do with Demaryius Thomas (who has not come to terms on a new contract as of this post), but Houston’s deal could definitely have implications for any new contract that Von Miller is seeking.

Of course, the contract details are what matter (full guarantees, injury guarantees, etc.), but if Houston is worth $101M over six years, what do you think Miller and his agent will likely want?

ETA: Had to include Lindsay Jones’ tweet just because she’s right.

A Reminder About Calvin Johnson’s Contract

NFL Network’s Albert Breer shared a link to his 2012 story about the circumstances that surrounded Calvin Johnson’s extension when he signed it. It’s worth reading so everyone understands why the Broncos see Demaryius Thomas’ situation differently (and the same with the Cowboys and Dez Bryant).

Breer also tweeted this reminder:

While it would be nice to see Thomas remain a Bronco for the foreseeable future, the chances of him (or Bryant) getting Johnson-type money can be summed up in one word: None.

Bryant Threatening Holdout; What Will Thomas Do?

I imagine most of you are aware of the buzz about Dez Bryant notifying the Dallas Cowboys that, if he and the team don’t reach agreement on a long-term deal by Wednesday (the deadline for franchised players to agree to new deals with their teams), he’ll skip training camp and may continue his holdout into the regular season.

No doubt this will make some Broncos fans wonder if Demaryius Thomas will do the same thing. However, let’s take a look at what Dez can realistically expect to gain from any holdout that goes into the regular season.
Continue reading Bryant Threatening Holdout; What Will Thomas Do?