The Facts: Regardless of how overpowering Thomas may be on the field, the Broncos will catch him in the game of franchise tag Monday and he will be it in a bargaining move that all but ensures the team of retaining their star wide receiver for the 2015 season. Specifically, the Broncos are expected to use the "nonexclusive" tag on Thomas.
Diehards Line:As Post staffer Mike Klis explained, the "nonexclusive" tags makes it possible for other teams to negotiate with Thomas, although the Broncos would have the right to match any offer. Moreover, should the Broncos decide against matching an offer, the team signing away Thomas would have to compensate Denver with two first-round draft picks. The Broncos have tried to sign him to a long-term deal. Their offer last August would have made him the league's third-highest-paid wide receiver at about $13 million per year. Thomas was seeking something north of $15 million per. Thomas is coming off three big seasons in which he had 94, 92 and 111 catches. His yards in those three seasons were 1,434, 1,430 and 1,619. He scored 10, 14 and 11 touchdowns. During that three-year span, no other wide receiver in the NFL had more receiving yards and Thomas was second only to Antonio Brown in catches and second to Dez Bryant in touchdowns.