Julius Thomas Signs with the Jags, Will Make $9 million a Year
Free agent Julius Thomas has decided to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Denver Post reported that the tight end agreed to a multiyear deal and will make $9 million a year.
NFL media insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday that Thomas, 26, intends to sign with the Jaguars. Thomas has become one of the most reliable targets for Peyton Manning and the Broncos since he was selected in the fourth round of the 2011 draft.
In his four seasons, Thomas made 109 receptions for 1,282 yards and 24 touchdowns. Thomas' first two years lacked luster due to injuries. However, in 2013 he came out strong and quickly made a name for himself. In 2014, he made 43 receptions for 489 yards and 12 touchdowns.
The Jaguars have been linked to Thomas for some time now. The Oakland Raiders and the Seattle Seahawks were reportedly in the mix as well.
The Broncos had wanted to resign the tight end but were financially limited after using the franchise tag on wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Some reports are claiming that the Broncos did not even make an effort to try to resign Thomas. The organization reportedly did not call Thomas' agent to assess whether or not he would want to return according to Mike Klis.
The Broncos are expected to lose left guard Orlando Franklin to the San Diego Chargers and defensive Terrance Knighton. They will reportedly focus on their safety Rahim Moor, backup tight end Virgil Green, backup linebacker Nate Irving. And backup cornerback Tony Carter.
Yahoo! Sports reported, "Sure, everyone knew Thomas was going to get a large deal in free agency. But to make no attempt has to say something, either about how the Broncos feel about Thomas or that they feel he can be easily replaced. There's no obvious replacement on the roster now, however. Thomas caught 24 touchdowns the past two years as the Broncos won AFC West titles each season. The offense went to a historic level in 2013 when Thomas had his breakout season, becoming the first NFL team to score 600 points in a regular season. But they'll go on without him."
The new league year starts Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
