Denver Broncos trade Demaryius Thomas to Texans for 4th-round pick
Oct 30, 2018, 11:06 AM | Updated: 12:36 pm
The Denver Broncos have parted ways with one of its most prolific wide receivers in franchise history, shipping Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans ahead of Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.
First reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Broncos traded Thomas and a 2019 seventh-round pick to the Texans in exchange for a fourth-round and seventh-round pick next year.
“Demaryius had an incredible run here, and we can’t thank him enough for everything he’s meant to the Broncos,” general manager John Elway said via a media release. “He developed into an elite player over the years, establishing himself as one NFL’s most productive, consistent and reliable wide receivers.
“D.T. was a big part of so many wins and memorable moments as a Bronco. Although it’s tough to end this chapter, we’re excited about the talent we have at the wide receiver position and wish Demaryius all the best with the Texans.”
The move aids the Broncos on two levels. One, Denver now moves Thomas’ salary off the books for the remainder of this season and next. Thomas’ is set to make $4.5 million this season and $14 million next, per Spotrac.com.
Also, the move frees up the Broncos to give younger wide receivers, like rookies Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton and first-year player Tim Patrick.
“You get some of these younger players that are, frankly, ascending players as opposed to declining players,” said “Schlereth and Evans” co-host Mark Schlereth on Monday, ahead of the trade.
As far as legacy goes, Thomas will go down as one of the top receivers in Broncos franchise history.
After nine years in Denver, the five-time Pro Bowler ranks second in all-time career receiving yards (9,055), second in receiving touchdowns (60), and third in receptions (665).
Via a release from the club, team president and CEO Joe Ellis said Thomas will remain a member of the Broncos family forever and will one day be immortalized in the Ring of Fame.
“He was a special player for this organization during a very special time for the Broncos and our fans,” Ellis said. “We’re proud of all Demaryius accomplished on the field while also very quietly doing some outstanding work in the community, representing the team with class and humility.
“We look forward to honoring D.T. one day as a Ring of Famer and appreciate his many contributions to the Broncos.”
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
