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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. —**The Denver Broncos have placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, Executive Vice President of Football Operations/General Manager John Elway announced on Monday.

"This is another step in our efforts to extend Demaryius' contract and ensure he remains a Denver Bronco," Elway said. "We will continue working toward a long-term agreement with Demaryius, who is a very important part of our team."

Thomas' non-exclusive tender will set his 2015 salary to the average figure of the top-five highest paid wide receivers in the NFL last season. He is permitted to negotiate with other clubs, but the Broncos reserve the right to match any offer.

Denver would receive two first-round choices from a team if it signed Thomas to a contract that wasn't matched.

Selected by the Broncos in the first round (22nd overall) of the 2010 NFL Draft from Georgia Tech, Thomas has appeared in 69 regular-season games (55 starts) for the club. A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Thomas has totaled 351 career receptions for 5,317 yards (15.1 avg.) with 41 touchdowns.