Marcus Thomas wasn’t about to complicate matters by extending contract talks any further.
The former Florida defensive tackle still feels the same gratitude he expressed about the Broncos and their choice of taking a flier on him in the fourth round of the NFL draft in April. He thought the least he could do was sign his contract earlier than expected.
“They gave me this chance, so I want to get going as soon as possible,” Thomas said Wednesday after signing a four-year contract with a $428,000 signing bonus. “I owe that team a lot and I want to show them as quick as possible that they got something good on their hands.”
Thomas was considered a top-15 prospect, but he tumbled in the draft because of failed drug tests. He was kicked off the eventual national champion Gators during the 2006 season after testing positive for marijuana. He has tested negative since and impressed Broncos officials before the draft with his leadership abilities and his drive. Broncos first-round pick Jarvis Moss, Thomas’ college roommate, said Thomas was the best player on Florida’s team last year.
Denver gave up its sixth- and seventh-round picks in the April draft and a third-rounder next year in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings to secure Thomas with pick No. 121 of the draft.
Thomas acknowledged he didn’t receive his entire signing bonus and that the remainder will be earned later. Thomas told teams before the draft he was willing to return his signing bonus should he misstep.
“I am cool with it,” Thomas said of his deal. “I have to prove to this team that I will be straight, and I will be.”
Thomas admits he was sluggish in his earlier camp work with the Broncos. However, he said he turned the corner this week during a two-day camp.
“I shook the rust off,” Thomas said.
Talks with the Broncos’ three other draft picks – Moss, Texas defensive end Tim Crowder and Notre Dame offensive tackle Ryan Harris – are in the preliminary stages. The Broncos’ training camp reporting date is July 28. Practice begins July 29.
Staff writer Bill Williamsoncan be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
