Latest NFL Trade Rumors Include Denver Broncos, Demaryius Thomas Before 2018 Deadline

Demaryius Thomas has been at the center of trade rumors since the offseason when there were reports that the Denver Broncos might deal the wide receiver. With the 2018 NFL trade deadline just five days away, there is more speculation about his future with the only team he’s ever played for.

A trade would make sense for Denver, who doesn’t look like a playoff contender and might cut Thomas in 2019 anyway because of the $14 million in base salary that he’ll be owed. But much like the Broncos held onto the veteran earlier this year, they seem likely to do the same during the season.

According to Mike Klis of 9News in Denver, the Broncos aren’t actively shopping Thomas. The team will reportedly listen to offers for the 31-year-old, but he probably isn’t going anywhere.

Perhaps the Broncos still believe they can make a push toward the postseason. They ended a four-game winning streak with a dominant 45-10 victory over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 7. Denver visits the Kansas City Chiefs in a critical AFC West matchup Sunday. The Chiefs beat the Broncos earlier this season and have a three-game lead over Denver atop the division.

Denver probably won’t get a very compelling offer from Thomas, who appears to be past his prime. His streak of five straight 1,000-yard seasons ended in 2017, and his 372 yards put him well behind Emmanuel Sanders for the team lead this year. Rookie Courtland Sutton should replace Thomas as the team’s No.2 receiver in 2019.

“That’s a good thing if somebody is interested in me and I can still play ball,” Thomas said, via USA Today, in regard to the trade rumors. “I still have a chance if I get traded. Of course, I want to be here but, you know.”

The New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers are among the teams considered to be possible landing spots for Thomas if he were to be dealt. New England has already acquired Josh Gordon, and Green Bay has dealt with injuries at wide receiver for much of the season.