With the Broncos and Demaryius Thomas coming together in the final hours of the franchise tag contract negotiation period, the five-year deal they agreed to represented recognition that Thomas has established himself as one of the league's top receiving threats. and progressing year over year from entering the NFL.
Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway has said that the Broncos can't always expect to draft All-Pro players, but ideally the team helps them develop into All-Pros. Thomas is a bit different in that regard as a former first-round draft pick, but the three-time Pro Bowl receiver has developed in his own right after struggling in his first two years to get past injuries through injuries his first two years.