Demaryius Thomas (88), the Denver Broncos' wide receiver, greets the fans before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium.(Photo: Denny Medley, USA Today Sports)

The Houston Texans found a replacement for one of their major offensive contributors and the Denver Broncos bid farewell to their oldest player.

The Broncos traded receiver Thomas Demaryius to the Texans for a third-round pick and a seventh-round pick choice, the Broncos confirmed.

Thomas is ready to face his former team in his debut with the Texans, since Denver will host Houston Sunday.

"Demaryius did an incredible race here and we can not thank him enough for all that he wanted to say for the Broncos," said the Broncos general manager, John Elway, in a statement. wide receivers the most productive, consistent and reliable. D.T. has played an important role in so many victories and memorable moments as Bronco. Although it is difficult to finish this chapter, we are delighted with the talent we have at the wide receiver and wish Demaryius every success with the Texans. "

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The Texans, who climbed to the top of the South AFC with five straight wins after a 0-3 start, lost the deep threat that threatened Will Fuller to an anterior cruciate ligament torn after last Thursday's victory over the Dolphins. By adding Thomas to his receiver group, Houston gives Deshaun Watson another weapon while relieving the main target DeAndre Hopkins and rookie Keke Coutee.

Thirty-year-old Thomas has seen his production drop for the Broncos since 2014, although the team's quarterback play has also taken a hit since. He made 36 catches for 402 yards and three touchdowns this season.

The quadruple pick of the Pro Bowl said Sunday that he thought there was "50%" odds that it would be traded before Tuesday's deadline.

The departure of Thomas opens the door to the second round choice, Courtland Sutton, to offer him even more opportunities. The rookie had 78 rushing yards in three catches last week against the Chiefs last week.

Thomas still has one year of contract and is expected to reach a $ 17.5 million cap in 2019.

Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz.

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