Over the last few weeks, there has been a growing uncertainty with the Denver Broncos surrounding the future of two key offensive contributors in wide receivers Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders. The notion that one or both could be let go has only gained ground with free agency approaching.
In fact, it appeared likely that one of them would be cut at some point in the near future. However, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Denver Post, general manager John Elway stated on Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis that the team plans on keeping both Thomas and Sanders on board for at least the 2018 season.
John Elway on Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders: “The plan is to bring them back.” Said they’ll pick up Thomas’ $4M option.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) February 28, 2018
The decision to keep them on the roster shows a clear plan by Elway to use Thomas and Sanders as potential bargaining chips to convince pending free-agent Pro Bowl quarterback Kirk Cousins to sign with Denver. The duo has proven to be reliable and game-changing assets in the passing game when healthy and utilized in a large compacity.
Despite not reaching 1,000 receiving yards for the first time in six seasons, Thomas put up a strong 2017 campaign with 83 catches for 949 receiving yards and five touchdowns. The 30-year-old has been the most dependable option in the passing game through his entire eight-year career with the Broncos, as he currently ranks second in receiving yards (8,653) and touchdown catches (57), and third in receptions (629).
During that span, he has registered at least 90 catches and 1,000 receiving yards five times, helping him earn five Pro Bowl selections and two Second-Team All-Pro nods. Thomas is set to enter the fourth year of his five-year, $70 million deal that has a $12 million cap hit for the 2018 campaign.
Meanwhile, Sanders has also brought consistent production in his four years with the Broncos, registering his first three 1,000 receiving yards campaigns. This includes his best individual season, where he had career highs with 101 catches for 1,404 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2014.
Sanders experienced a notable drop in production in 2017 due to injury with 47 catches for 555 receiving yards and two touchdowns in 12 games played.
The 30-year-old is set to enter the second year of his three-year, $33 million extension that will pay him nearly $11 million in salary and bonuses. The decision to keep them both on board could signal a strong push to build a roster that can win now with the addition of a quarterback in free agency.
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