The Facts: With just five weeks before the July 15 deadline to sign franchise players to long-term extensions, the pressure is on the Broncos to find common ground with Thomas. Peyton Manning is already upset that Thomas doesn't have a new deal and isn't in Denver, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Thursday. If there is no deal in place by the deadline, Rapoport adds, don't expect Thomas to report to training camp.

Diehards Line: According to NFL.com's Chris Wesseling, that chain of events would only serve to further aggravate Manning, who relies on offseason and summer repetitions to build impeccable timing with his receivers. Considering the challenges of adjusting to Gary Kubiak's new offense, it's even more imperative that Manning hones his connection with his No. 1 receiver. The problem, from the Broncos' point of view, is Thomas' asking price. League executives have suggested to Rapoport that Thomas deserves to be paid on par with Calvin Johnson, who signed an eight-year, $130 million contract in 2012. The Broncos might not be looking to pay that much, but their Super Bowl window is closing quickly. As Wesseling suggests, the team's front office has to understand how crucial Thomas' presence is in a go-for-broke 2015 season.