The Facts: Following up on the ongoing story. ... An offseason with multiple wrinkles to iron out began Monday with the Broncos placing the franchise tag on Thomas, who is expected to use his minimal bargaining leverage by not signing the franchise tender until July 15. That would allow him to miss the team's mandatory minicamp in June, while also passing on the team's conditioning and organized team activity workouts.

Diehards Line: As Post staffer Troy E. Renck wrote, "Consider it a bargaining tactic that will pay the receiver $12.82 million for the 2015 season, while creating time to work out a longterm deal. ..." The Broncos used the non-exclusive franchise tag, permitting other teams to negotiate with the receiver. However, any suitor signing Thomas would have to surrender two first-round draft picks to the Broncos, a price which typically minimizes interest. The non-exclusive tag virtually assures Thomas will be a Bronco in 2015. A team wishing to sign Thomas faces obstacles. The suitor would have to produce a monstrous contract offer sheet the Broncos couldn't match, then compensate Denver with two first-round draft picks. Of course, the move ensures plenty of discussion about the possible ramifications of Thomas' absence from OTAs and other off-season work.