The Denver Broncos traded Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans for a fourth round pick in 2019, a pick that will soon be made. Since that trade, Thomas ended up in injured reserve and released by the Texans. The veteran wide receiver is now signing a one-year deal with the New England Patriots.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the deal has incentives that could end up being worth up to $6 million.
New Patriots WR Demaryius Thomas' 1-year deal is HEAVY on "we'll see" type parameters ...
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 17, 2019
$150K to sign.
$150K reporting bonus.
$1.2 million base.
$1.406 million in per-game rosters.
$750K for 60 catches.
$750K for 800 yards.
$750K for 1000 yards.
$750K for 1200 yards.
The Patriots had emerged as potential trade partners for Thomas leading up to the trade with the Texans, but now they will get his services without having to cough up any draft capital. Oh, and they still won the Super Bowl last year. Thomas will return to play for the man who drafted him 22nd overall in the 2010 NFL Draft in Josh McDaniels.
Thomas, 31, spent almost nine seasons in Denver where he finished near the top of every statistical receiving category that matters with 665 receptions, 9,055 yards and 60 touchdowns and two Super Bowl appearances. That should one-day earn him a spot in the Broncos Ring of Fame, but it looks like he wants one more shot at a title and he must think the Patriots give him that best shot.