The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... The Broncos have done the expected on Monday and placed their franchise tag on Thomas.

Diehards Line: The move comes as little surprise after several reports out of Denver indicated that the two sides weren’t close to agreement on a long-term deal that would keep Thomas in Denver for years to come. General Manager John Elway indicated weeks ago that the team would use the tag if that’s how things played out. Denver announced that they used the non-exclusive tag, which means other teams can make a run at Thomas as long as he doesn’t sign it. The Broncos would have the right to match any offer and a team signing Thomas away would have to give the Broncos two first-round picks to make it happen. Thomas will make $12.8 million under the tag, which he can sign at any point. There’s also a window to agree to a multi-year deal until July 15 and Thomas would be on track for free agency again next year if he fails to do so.