The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... During the NFL scouting combine this week, the Broncos are meeting with agents of several of their free-agent players, including Terrance Knighton, Demaryius Thomas, Orlando Franklin and Rahim Moore. There is no meeting scheduled, however, with Frank Bauer, the agent representing Julius Thomas. The talented, but ankle-troubled tight end apparently wants to test free agency when the market opens March 10.

Diehards Line:The Broncos had offered Thomas a multi-year contract worth $8 million a year back in July — a deal that would have made him the third-highest paid tight end behind only Jimmy Graham and Rob Gronkowski. Thomas got off to a terrific start in 2014, setting a nine-game NFL record with 12 touchdown catches. But then came the second serious ankle injury of his young career, a setback that limited Thomas to only five catches — none for touchdowns — in the Broncos' final seven games. It's still possible the Broncos could re-sign Thomas, although he will be able to first seek bids from other pursuers. He figures to draw heavy interest, because when healthy, Thomas is difficult to guard. If the Broncos cannot re-sign Julius Thomas, there is a deep group of "receiving" tight ends eligible for free agency this season, including Jordan Cameron, Owen Daniels, Jermaine Gresham and Charles Clay.