Julius Thomas to Jaguars: Latest Contract Details, Comments, Reaction

The Denver Broncos couldn't afford to keep everybody responsible for their recent success. They had to make tough financial decisions, one of which was allowing Julius Thomas to leave in free agency.

The tight end signed a multiyear deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars, the team announced on Wednesday. 

Thomas talked about the move to Jacksonville, according to the Jaguars' official website:

"

“I know how young this team is, and I need to be a leadership presence and a veteran,” Thomas said Wednesday. “To come in here and help these young guys out is exciting for me.”

[...]

“People think you’re going to a different team and a different city, but for me, my entire situation has changed,” Thomas said. “I was fortunate to play with some of the best players this league has seen, future Hall of Famers like (defensive end) Demarcus Ware, (quarterback) Peyton Manning, (cornerback) Champ Bailey and (safety) Brian Dawkins. They had accumulation of knowledge and advice they gave me, and I get a chance to help share that with other people.”

"

Mike Klis of The Denver Post first reported the contract and noted that the deal is "in the $9 million-a-year neighborhood."

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network stated the deal was worth $46 million over five years, and that $24 million of that was guaranteed. 

Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports said the Oakland Raiders "made a hard push" before losing out to the Jaguars. 

The Broncos didn't even call Thomas, per Klis:

USA TODAY Sports

Thomas had just finished the final year of his rookie deal. With wide receiver Demaryius Thomas also set to become a free agent after the season and only one franchise tag to go around, many fans and experts wondered how the Broncos would handle the two players' respective extensions. The team ended up giving Demaryius the franchise tag, all but guaranteeing Julius would be leaving. 

Both are among the best at their positions, but Denver only has so much money to go around.

Bleacher Report's Mike Tanier wrote on Jan. 13 about the team's dire financial future after its divisional-round exit:

"

Demaryius Thomas, Julius Thomas and Wes Welker are free agents, not to mention a deep second tier of important players like Orlando Franklin, Brandon Marshall, Terrance "Pot Roast" Knighton and Jacob Tamme. Also, Von Miller is set to make $9.7 million in the option year of his rookie contract, then hit the market in 2016. The Broncos probably have about $25 million in cap space, but that's going to evaporate fast.

"

Once Julius Thomas hit free agency, it was almost certain his price tag would be too high for the AFC West champions.

Tight ends are becoming a hot commodity, and it isn't every day that a player of Thomas' caliber is available on the open market. He's a two-time Pro Bowler with 24 receiving touchdowns over the last two years.

ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold reported in February that Thomas was seeking more money than the Broncos could likely afford.

Legwold wrote that "similar to the Eric Decker scenario last offseason Thomas’ representatives, as you would expect, have made it clear to the Broncos he wants to be among the league’s highest-paid players at the position."

Speaking on B/R's Team Stream Now, Chris Simms questioned whether Thomas was worthy of being paid like one of the best tight ends in the league:

It will be interesting to see how Thomas performs away from the Broncos' high-powered passing attack and without Peyton Manning throwing him passes.

Thomas only has two seasons under his belt as a regular starter, and he only made 10 starts in 2014. He's never been much of a blocker, either.

Football Outsiders' Scott Kacsmar also wonders whether Thomas will live up to his price tag:

"

Julius Thomas seems like a guy destined for free agency where he could get paid a lot to put up seasons with 700 yards & 6 TD.

— Scott Kacsmar (@FO_ScottKacsmar) January 12, 2015"

The 26-year-old could potentially be a major get for Jacksonville. Few tight ends possess his blend of athleticism, strength and pass-catching ability.

However, Thomas carries some risk. Just look at Decker's drop in production during his first season with the New York Jets.

Thomas was one of the most prized skill players available in this year's crop of free agents, but he could become an albatross on the Jaguars' books if some of the issues that hampered him with Denver arise again.