Demaryius Thomas chose to sit out the Broncos’ offseason workout program. (Brent Lewis, The Denver Post)
Broncos receiver Demaryius Thomas may be absent from the team’s offseason workouts, but he’s not too far removed from the scene.
On Wednesday, before the start of the team’s organized team activities, fellow receiver Emmanuel Sanders and linebacker Von Miller FaceTimed with Thomas from his locker.
“Von was like, ‘I’m wearing your shoes today’ and I’m like, ‘I’m wearing your shirt today, just so you’re out there with us,” Sanders said. “I could tell he definitely misses being out here and he wants to be a part of this. Hopefully, he’ll be back soon.”
The Broncos placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on Thomas in March, giving him a one-year deal worth $12.82 million. But the star receiver chose to hold out of offseason workouts as he and the Broncos negotiate a long-term deal.
“One thing a lot of people don’t realize is when you’re playing on a one-year deal, there’s a lot of things going through your head,” Sanders said. “As much as you guys want to say, ‘Don’t think about it,’ of course it’s going to cross your mind because you’re talking about a lot of money at stake. When you’re playing these one-year deals, it’s a lot of stress on you. No matter how much you don’t want it to be, it’s going to happen. We’re all human.”
Peyton Manning echoed many of Sanders’ sentiments, acknowledging he, too, would like to have Thomas at the workouts but understands it’s a business.
“I keep up with Demaryius. He’s my buddy,” Manning said. “They got that business side of it to work out, but he’s been a great teammate to me, been a great friend to me since I’ve been here in Denver, so I keep up with him. Obviously want him to get back here as soon as possible, but we want what’s best for him, and he certainly deserves what’s best for him.”
Broncos coach Gary Kubiak admitted he had not been in touch with Thomas as much as some of the players or wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, who has kept Thomas up to speed on the team’s new offense and changes on the field. Kubiak last spoke with Thomas a few weeks ago and is “counting on him taking care of his business.”
“I’d rather him be here. Y’all know that. He knows that. The players know that,” Kubiak said. “But you also understand the rules, you understand the situation. As a coach you got to deal with what’s going on here.”
Thomas’ absence gives some of the other receivers more reps in practice, and Kubiak said he expects this month to reveal a lot about his younger players.
“Because it’s a very competitive situation right now, this month is going to help us find out a lot about the youth at that position, as well as inside linebacker,” said Kubiak, who mentioned Bennie Fowler in particular performed well Wednesday. “I want to see who’s going to take advantage of it.”
