The Denver Broncos had a very active offseason, grabbing a hoard of free agents in the process. But now they are looking to lock up a few of their homegrown players. The Broncos offered wide receiver Demaryius Thomas a 5-year contract extension and are also looking to extend tight end Julius Thomas.

Denver has expressed interest in keeping Demaryius Thomas for weeks now thus the news of a formal offer being sent to him makes sense. Broncos general manager John Elway spoke about getting Thomas under a long-term deal earlier in the week.

“We've already talked to them to see if we can do something before the beginning of the year. We'd like to get something done before the beginning of camp. We don't want to do anything once training camp starts. They're both in their last years, and we'd like for them to stay and be Broncos for a long time.”

If Thomas were to hit free agency he would have many suitors as the 2015 free-agency period is loaded with talent at wide receiver. The 26-year-old wideout would join Dez Bryant, Michael Crabtree, Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb and Roddy White in free agency if a deal isn't reached.

Signing Thomas to a long-term deal would be the first move to benefit the post-Peyton Manning Broncos as he is an established top receiver for Manning’s heir. Manning doesn’t have much longer in the league and giving his replacement all the chances to succeed starts with getting Thomas under contract for the foreseeable future.

Thomas had an incredible 2013 with 92 receptions for 1430 yards and 14 touchdowns en route to a Super Bowl appearance.

[Bleacher Report]

Give us a shoutout in the comments below and follow us @SportsWN and @Edler56