DT trade speculation about dumping salary, clearing room for Sutton
Oct 22, 2018, 11:43 AM
Broncos Country learned on Sunday that Denver has been listening to trade offers for wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.
ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter, who first reported the story, said several teams have reached out to the Broncos about the five-time Pro Bowler and that the team has not “rebuffed” offers.
On Monday, Denver 7 Insider Troy Renck, filling in on “Schlereth and Evans,” said it’s important to “connect the dots” as to why Thomas may be available, and likely it has nothing to do with the Broncos blowing it up and starting fresh.
“The reason it’s out there is because the way the roster sits with Courtland Sutton pushing for playing time behind Demaryius,” Renck said.
Also, “Schlereth and Evans” co-host Mike Evans called it “unrealistic” to pay Thomas like a No. 1 wide receiver when he’s not anymore.
“If you can get somebody to bite and you can get out from underneath that contract, I don’t care if it’s a fifth-round pick. Fine. This is a salary dump. Let’s be honest,” Evans said.
Thomas is slated to make $8.5 million in 2018 with a dead cap of $15.566 million, according to Spotrac.com.
Next season, the once prolific pass catcher is set to make $14 million, though, with only a $3.533 dead cap, there could be an “out” for the Broncos in terms of Thomas’ contract.
“Do you see DT as part of the team next year? And I would suggest that’s a difficult fit if you want Sutton to emerge,” Renck said.
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