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Demaryius Thomas thought in Denver might be numbered. The receiver was ok.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that the Broncos are trading Thomas to the Houston Texans in exchange for a 2019 fourth-round pick pick, for informed sources of the deal. The teams are also swapping seventh-rounders, for Rapoport. The Broncos later confirmed the trade.
Thomas is the first big-name player to move on the final day trades can be executed. The deadline for swaps is 4 p.m. AND.
Thomas will immediately face his team when the Texans visit the Broncos on Sunday.
Broncos, "Broncos general manager John Elway said in a statement. "NFL's most productive, consistent and reliable wide receivers." "Bronco was a big part of so many wins and memorable moments." 're excited about the talent we have at the wide receiver position and wish Demaryius all the best with the Texans. "
Denever CEO Joe Ellis also said, "we are looking forward to honoring the D.T. one day as a Ring of Famer and appreciate its many contributions to the Broncos."
The Broncos moving the 30-year-old receiver was heavily speculated in recent weeks. Thomas' production has waned this season as his report with Case Keenum has not materialized. With $ 14 million in basic salary for 2019, it was likely to end up in the line for Thomas in Denver. Sitting at 3-5, staring at another lost season
More importantly, jettisoning Thomas opens new opportunities for impressive rookie Cortland Sutton. The second-round picks a great ball of skill and an ability to get open, snagging 17 receptions for 324 yards in eight games while playing just 68.7 percent of the offensive snaps. Those numbers should skyrocket with Thomas out of the equation. He's now the clear No. 2 alongside Emmanuel Sanders.
Emmanuel Sanders speaking to @ 1043TheFan on the trade of DT:
â € œIâ € ™ m not happy about that.â €
Ryan Koenigsberg (@RyanKoenigsberg)
October 30, 2018
For the Texans, adding another playmaking receiver became a need after speedster Will Fuller suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 8. Rookie receiver Keke Coutee has also been dealing with a hamstring injury.
Putting Thomas next to DeAndre Hopkins gives Deshaun Watson a reliable 1-2 veteran punch at receiver. While DT has lost some of his early-career burst with age, he can still be a playmaker when properly motivated. Thrush back into the playoff race should help his endeavor. Playing with a faulty offensive line, Thomas' ability to make himself available is very important.
Thomas will be especially useful in the red zone, where Houston has been woeful this season. Pairing the big bodies of Hopkins and Thomas should give you the best of the field.
Sitting at 5-3 at the midway part of their season, the Texans are the only team over .500 in the AFC South, but know the Colts, Jags, and Titans are each capable of making a late-season push. Adding to a sometimes-stagnant offense was a necessary move for a Houston team that currently stands at the pole position for a postseason run.
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