Securing the Future

Last week, the Broncos began the work of securing their future long term, entering into contract negotiations with Demaryius Thomas and Julius Thomas, both of whom are in the last year of their rookie contracts.

During the off-season, when the Broncos let Eric Decker go, a stated reason was the interest in keeping their star wide receiver and tight end long-term. The Broncos are staying true to that word with these negotiations, and hope to have long-term deals for both by next month.

That's good news for fans, even if we don't know who the quarterback will be. With Julius and Demaryius, as well as the new contract with Emmanuel Sanders (drafted the same year as Demaryius), the Broncos could have three young, strong, fast receivers in the prime of their careers. That combined with Ryan Clady gives them the pieces of a dynamic offense that can help a young quarterback or serve as a draw for a veteran even when Peyton Manning decides to hang it up.

Demaryius is one of the few successful draft picks made by Josh McDaniels, and might be the best thing he ever did for the team. Demaryius is a dynamic No. 1 receiver, and a threat to break a big play whenever he has the ball. Signing him long-term is a no brainer.

The path for Julius Thomas has been more interesting. The year he was drafted, he had little football experience but had been a basketball player. That's a familiar path for NFL tight ends. Julius impressed me in training camp and pre-season, but he got injured and wasn't able to play much his first two NFL seasons.

Heading into last year's pre-season, it seemed he might be on the bubble. But he dominated in the pre-season, and he carried it over to the regular season, too. He was one of the best weapons for the Broncos, and finally realized the potential that had been seen on draft day.

Now, with the Broncos poised to sign both to long-term deals, the Thomases could be the anchors of the passing game for years to come. That gives Broncos fans something to celebrate.