Why Demaryius Thomas Must Be at Top of the New York Jets' Free-Agent Wish List

The New York Jets have never been known for their receiving corps, especially during the Rex Ryan era.

While most of the team's struggles at receiver in recent seasons can be attributed to the poor play at the quarterback position, the unit still needs a significant upgrade.

However, the Jets do have some pieces.

Signed to a five-year deal last offseason, Eric Decker is a strong No. 2 wideout who can make plays downfield and move the chains.

Drafted in the second round of the 2014 draft (49th overall), Jace Amaro is a big target who should continue to develop into a dangerous threat over the middle.

Jeremy Kerley is a decent slot option and a nice No. 4 or 5 option in the passing game.

What New York lacks is a menacing No. 1 receiver who can carry the offense through droughts and make spectacular plays when the team needs them most.

And, no, Percy Harvin is not that guy.

Demaryius Thomas, on the other hand, is the exact definition of an elite receiver in the modern NFL.

Thomas is a beast, plain and simple. He possesses great size (6'3'', 229 lbs) and blazing speed—he told Christopher Dempsey of The Denver Post that he ran 4.38-second 40-yard dash—and his physical style of play is too much for opposing defensive backs to handle.

The Georgia Tech product can struggle with drops at times, but he more than makes up for it with his explosiveness and playmaking ability.

Thomas' stats in the last three years are unparalleled among his counterparts. He has averaged nearly 100 catches, 1,500 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns a season since 2012:

Year	Receptions (NFL Rank)	Receiving Yards (NFL Rank)	TDs (NFL Rank)
2012	94 (8th)	1,434 (4th)	10 (7th)
2013	92 (9th)	1,430 (4th)	14 (2nd)
2014	111 (2nd)	1,619 (2nd)	11 (10th)

While those outstanding numbers have a lot to do with the presence of quarterback Peyton Manning, they cannot be understated.

Thomas has been Manning's top target in Denver for a reason, as no other wideout boasts the same combination of size, physicality and athleticism.

But why would Thomas choose to leave such a good situation in the Mile High City?

Well, maybe because the situation isn't as great as it seemed just a few weeks ago.

The Broncos, long deemed Super Bowl favorites, were knocked out of the playoffs early by the Indianapolis Colts. Manning struggled mightily in that game, just as he had done in the month prior.

Something looked very wrong with Peyton in December and January, and it had a huge effect on Thomas' numbers as well as the Broncos' success.

Now, Joe Vaccarelli of The Indianapolis Star reports there are some serious rumblings about Manning possibly calling it a career this offseason, leaving the Broncos without a quarterback.

Even if the Hall of Fame signal-caller does return, who knows if he will be able to keep up his tremendous play? He is already 38 and has dealt with a series of nagging injuries in recent years.

Thomas may be inclined to leave Denver behind and test the open market, where he is almost guaranteed to receive a huge long-term deal.

If he does hit free agency, the Jets should pounce immediately.

Few players of Thomas' caliber hit the open market, especially when they are just 27 years old. Perhaps most importantly, ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini indicates the Jets have plenty of money to throw at the former first-round selection in order to gain his interest.

While Thomas may be turned off by Gang Green's lack of a franchise quarterback, there are also plenty of positives that come with joining the Jets.

Thomas will almost undoubtedly be able to raise his image and brand in the bright lights of New York, and he should be joined by plenty of other outside talent with the amount of cap space the Jets possess.

Moreover, the Georgia native will be able to work with one of the hottest new head coaches in Todd Bowles as well as his old running mate in Decker.

If the Jets can convince Thomas that they are on the verge of a huge turnaround into contention, they should give themselves a great shot at getting him.

It would certainly be worth the hefty price tag, as Thomas would give the team an immediate boost and almost guarantee more success in the passing game.