Through the last few weeks, there had been constant chatter around the Denver Broncos concerning the future of former Pro Bowl wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

The Broncos finally made the decision to send Thomas to the Houston Texans on Tuesday morning prior to the trade deadline. In response to that move, John Elway has voiced much praise toward the 30-year-old in what he brought to the table to the franchise in eight-plus seasons, according to Mike Klis of 9News.

https://twitter.com/MikeKlis/status/1057325186188435458

Live and breathe the NFL?

🚨 Get viral NFL graphics, memes, rumors and trending news delivered right to your inbox with the Clutch Newsletter.

Thomas had been a highly reliable receiving option throughout his career with the Broncos as he has spent his first eight-plus years in the league with the franchise that saw him earn five Pro Bowl selections where he toppled 1,000 receiving yards and 90 receptions in each campaign. He has continued to produce with 36 catches for 402 receiving yards and three touchdowns this season. Thomas holds various team records with such as the most receptions in the playoffs (53), most receiving yards in a single season (1,619), career receiver yards per game (76.3), and 100 receiving yard performances (34).

He had been the team’s most dependable receiving option throughout his tenure with the franchise that was a key piece in helping them reach a pair of Super Bowls including winning their third championship in team history. His departure now opens up the door for rookie wideout Courtland Sutton to step up in a major role in the passing game moving forward. Sutton has shown plenty of promise on the field with 17 catches for 324 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.

This is also an opportunity for Thomas to join a promising team where he could form a dynamic duo in the passing game alongside Pro Bowl wideout DeAndre Hopkins with the potential to compete for a Super Bowl as a key piece to the puzzle this season and well beyond that.