Demaryius Thomas trade rumors: Why the Patriots make sense for Denver

The Denver Broncos have had a fun rivalry with the New England Patriots since the early 2000s, but a Demaryius Thomas trade would put bad blood aside.

Prior to the start of the 2018 season, a Denver Broncos and New England Patriots trade involving Demaryius Thomas was nothing more than crazy talk.

Now, with the Broncos at 3-5 and looking at another potential top 10 draft pick and the Patriots on their way to yet another playoff appearance, that trade idea may have some validity.

The Patriots appear motivated to upgrade their wide receiver group even after acquiring former first-round receivers Cordarrelle Patterson and Phillip Dorsett via previous trades and Josh Gordon (a former second-round pick) via another.

The Patriots’ receiver group needs a veteran presence like Thomas (another former first-round pick) and the Broncos would probably love to unload the nearly $19 million in salary cap space they would save by trading him.

Though there’s emotional connection between the Broncos and Thomas (he’s spent his first nine years in the NFL with just the Broncos), and though trading him to New England would leave a bitter taste in the mouths of Denver fans, it might be the best scenario for all parties.

Why should Broncos fans change their tune and get on board for a Thomas trade to New England?

First and foremost, trading Thomas to New England would give him a legitimate shot at a second Super Bowl title. At the age of 30, those opportunities are running low and Denver’s championship window appears to have closed.

By the time they open another, Thomas’ career will be in its twilight, and who knows? At that point, the Broncos might be in position to bring Thomas back as a free agent. He doesn’t hit the market until 2020.

Another reason for fans to be okay about Thomas going to New England? The Broncos don’t play the Patriots this year. Or next year.

Unless the Broncos somehow claw their way back into playoff contention (anything is possible, I suppose), they will be able to cheer Thomas on from afar and not have to worry about a head-to-head matchup.

Their next scheduled game against the Patriots will be a road game in 2020.

The Broncos also might get something decent in return from the Patriots. There’s rumored to be plenty of interest in Thomas from other teams, and when the Patriots are motivated to make a deal, they understand that draft picks are unproven commodities and more than just about any other team, they have been willing to trade picks for proven veterans.

Considering how well it’s gone for them, perhaps other teams should catch on.

Thomas would be an instant hit for the Patriots and at no expense to the Broncos other than watching one of their beloved players excel in a better situation.

Thomas would have the chance to play with Tom Brady, meaning he would have ultimately caught passes from arguably the two best quarterbacks to ever play the game (Peyton Manning) and receive checks from the guy who rounds out the top three (John Elway).

Not a bad way to spend your pro career after paying dues with the triple option offense at Georgia Tech.

This trade would make so much sense for both parties, no matter how tough it would be for Broncos Country to see Thomas in any other team’s colors, even New England’s.