2015 Offseason - Free Agent/Draft Tracker

[dead_poet]

So you think Thomas' numbers are inflated because of Manning? What's your proof? Decker? Isn't it interesting that the Broncos let Decker walk. It's patently obvious that Eric Decker isn't close to the receiver Thomas is.

If you're not in favor of signing high-level free agents, that's a legitimate point of view. But implying that one of the top receivers in the NFL is somehow not as good as his numbers is pretty ridiculous. I could just as easily contend that Thomas is actually BETTER than his numbers because the Broncos have had an embarrassment of riches at wideout and TE for the past three years. I'd have no more proof than you do, but I could make the argument.

Sure, Thomas would cost a lot. But honestly, given the choice to pay Adrian Peterson or pay Demaryius Thomas, I'd take Thomas in a heartbeat.

I don't see it, though I'd love it if it happened. More than the contract (though that's an issue because he's going to get BIG money in the neighborhood of Calvin Johnson, eight years, $150.5M with $60 million guaranteed) Denver can't afford to let him get away. Franchise tag is a definite possibility if they can't extend him, though it's a steep price to do it at $12.3 million. However if Manning is back for one more season, the tag for him makes sense if they're going to "go all in" one more year.

[J. Kapp 11]

I don't see it, though I'd love it if it happened. More than the contract (though that's an issue because he's going to get BIG money in the neighborhood of Calvin Johnson, eight years, $150.5M with $60 million guaranteed) Denver can't afford to let him get away. Franchise tag is a definite possibility if they can't extend him, though it's a steep price to do it at $12.3 million. However if Manning is back for one more season, the tag for him makes sense if they're going to "go all in" one more year.

Yeah, I realize the whole thing fits nicely into the "pipe dream" category.

But man, what a target for Teddy he would be.

[CbusVikesFan]

Same. I'd like to see the majority of the offseason focus be defense....O line and some wideout options.

Actually be happy if they traded down for more picks. Can't recall if Spielman has really done that yet....not out of the 1st round anyway.

I think you can look at the 98 Vikings to know that no matter what kind of high-flying offense you have, you have to have a defense to stop the other team a time or two. Or look at last nights college game. The talk all year was that nobody could stop the Oregon offense with their quick tempo.
Not so fast my friend.
So focusing on the defense is good for the offense as well. As someone said, "A best offense is a good defense".
And as far as Demaryius Thomas(later in the thread)goes, from what I have seen he can disappear from time to time and can be covered. Surely he will demand top dollar and a long term deal. In rebuilding, investing that much in one player could be a detriment.

[J. Kapp 11]

I think you can look at the 98 Vikings to know that no matter what kind of high-flying offense you have, you have to have a defense to stop the other team a time or two. Or look at last nights college game. The talk all year was that nobody could stop the Oregon offense with their quick tempo.
Not so fast my friend.
So focusing on the defense is good for the offense as well. As someone said, "A best offense is a good defense".
And as far as Demaryius Thomas(later in the thread)goes, from what I have seen he can disappear from time to time and can be covered. Surely he will demand top dollar and a long term deal. In rebuilding, investing that much in one player could be a detriment.

Not sure the '98 Vikings are the best example of a defense that's not capable of stopping anybody. They were sixth in the NFL in points allowed and 13th in yards allowed at about 310 per game. That was a very, very good team in all phases. They weren't a dominant defense, but they didn't have to be.

And I get so tired of this "he can disappear at times" argument. People said that about Randy Moss, too. Again, if you don't think Thomas is worth the money he will command, that's legitimate. But if a guy catches 111 passes for over 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns, he's not "disappearing" very often, nor is he an easy cover.

[PacificNorseWest]

They should go for it. Demaryius, that is.

WR is a very hard position to draft for. Not necessarily in terms of finding the talent, but in terms of that talent 'figuring it out' and developing into even somewhat a finished product. Generally, receivers don't hit their stride, so to speak, until year 3. With Jennings as the only seasoned WR, I think it's a good option to look into.

[DK Sweets]

And I get so tired of this "he can disappear at times" argument. People said that about Randy Moss, too. Again, if you don't think Thomas is worth the money he will command, that's legitimate. But if a guy catches 111 passes for over 1,600 yards and 11 touchdowns, he's not "disappearing" very often, nor is he an easy cover.

To add to this, people want to handicap his stats because the great Peyton Manning is throwing to him...it should also be noted that Demaryius Thomas is also being handicapped because Peyton doesn't exactly have a cannon of an arm anymore to get those deep passes to a guy who towers at 6'3 and runs a 40 yard dash in 4.38 seconds. Sure, Peyton is a master at recognizing coverages, but it's also possible that this guy's gamebreaking potential hasn't even been realized yet.

[slapnut19]

i can't see d. thomas hitting the open market. i do see julius being available though. i'd like to see what turner could do with him and rudolph together. definitely some mismatches there.

[The Breeze]

Yes, Purple Julius please.

[PurpleKoolaid]

I'd rather have a good MLB like Spikes then another TE. Although Julius would be nice once Kyle gets injured.

[mansquatch]

Statistically and Fantasy wise Thomas obviously performs. However, I think you have to really look at game tape to determine which players in Denver had great stats because of Peyton and which can continue to perform even without him. Denver is likely going to need an AJ Green type player who makes his QB look better since the new guy, unless they get Rogers or Brady, will be a step back from Peyton.

I think the key question on Thomas is if he is really the AJ Green kind of guy and worthy of the contract? Frankly, if he is that guy, then Denver SHOULD franchise him and have him be the first building block in their inevitable rebuilding project. IMO I think it is safe to assume that if the Broncos let Thomas hit the open market it is most likely because they do not feel he is worthy of the inflated contract. IMO, this is reasonable since if they let him hit the market AND he is worthy of the contract that would mean that in terms of evaluating in-house talent, Elway and Company are deficient. This is certainly possible, but it doesn’t seem probable.

[mansquatch]

I'd rather have a good MLB like Spikes then another TE. Although Julius would be nice once Kyle gets injured.

I think if they sign Thomas they'll ditch Rudolph.

[Pondering Her Percy]

I highly doubt they touch Thomas. Once again, it makes no sense when we just gave Rudy a contract extension. Regardless, who knows if Thomas is even durable. He was banged up for most of the year

[slapnut19]

much like graham j. thomas plays a ton of snaps from the wr position. i could easily see both him and rudolph on the field together. not a likely signing, but not insane considering one doesn't play like a tight end.

[IIsweet]

It may just be me, but I really like Chase Ford. 2TE sets with a healthy Rudolph works for me.
Maybe not a sexy option, but definitely the more inexpensive route.

[frosted]

I'd prefer the dollars we have be used on <cliche>cheaper, 'under the radar', solid FA signings</cliche>, with the big money being used to lock up our young core when their first contracts are up.