NFL: Broncos trade receiver Thomas to the Texans

The Denver Broncos are selling wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans. That’s what NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports. In exchange for the 30-year-old, the Broncos get a four-lap pick in next year’s draft.

In addition, both teams will exchange their seven-round picks in Draft 2019.

In the last few weeks there had been more speculation about a trade of the well-deserved receiver, especially since the Broncos (3-5) will have a hard time reaching the playoffs again this year. Moreover, Thomas and the new Broncos quarterback Case Keenum had not been a perfect match: In eight games, the Wideout so far comes to only 402 yards and three touchdowns – disappointing numbers given its expensive contract.

The trade will save the Broncos $14 million in salary next year. This season, the team is saving $4 million on Cap Space. At the same time Thomas makes room for Rookie-Receiver Cortland Sutton, who could convince so far and now becomes the second receiver behind Emmanuel Sanders.

“We wanted to put our young receivers on the field,” GM John Elway told 9News. “Demaryius goes to a team that wants him. It was the best solution for both sides.” He told Thomas, “that he will always be a Bronco. I know he wanted to end his career with the Broncos. That didn’t work, but after his career he’ll be immortalized in our Ring of Fame.”

The Texans (5-3) get a standing receiver behind superstar DeAndre Hopkins on the hunt for a playoff spot and thus another option for quarterback Deshaun Watson, especially in the Red Zone. After five consecutive victories, the Texans are currently number one in the AFC South.

Curiosity: The first game for Thomas in the Jersey of the Texans should take place on Sunday – just in the Mile High Stadium in Denver.

The Broncos had drafted Thomas in the first round in 2010. Unforgotten his touchdown in the playoffs in January 2012, when QB Tim Tebow perfectly served him the ball in the first overtime play.

Under quarterback Peyton Manning, Thomas experienced his most productive years in Denver and was among other things part of the record open in 2014 when he caught Manning’s 55th TD pass of the season. From 2012 to 2016 he was nominated five times for the Pro Bowl, with the Broncos he won Super Bowl 50.