Demaryius Thomas willing to give Broncos a "hometown discount"

Keeping star receiver Demaryius Thomas in Denver beyond 2014 may not prove to be as difficult as anticipated.

Thomas (6'-3", 229 lbs.) ranks second in the NFL with 1,255 receiving yards and is tied for third with 10 touchdowns this season. A two-time Pro Bowler, Thomas is playing in the final year of his rookie contract with a base salary of $3.27 million.

In an interview with NFL Network's Dan Hellie, Thomas was asked if he would be willing to take a hometown discount from the Broncos. His response:

"Of course, why not?" Thomas asked, via NFL.com. "Peyton is one of the best in the game, and I've been blessed to have him as my quarterback. I learned so much of him. Denver, of course I gotta take my hats off to them, because they took a chance of drafting me in the first round."

Just how much of a "discount" Thomas is willing to take remains to be seen.

Buzz: Broncos' John Elway praises Champ Bailey, who signs with Saints

Former Denver Broncos cornerback Champ Bailey signed a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints on Friday. The contract has a max value of $7 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Bailey, a 12-time Pro Bowler who owns 52 career interceptions, saw his performance decline over the past two seasons in Denver. After Bailey limped through an injury-riddled 2013 campaign, the Broncos parted ways with the 35-year-old cornerback last month.

“Without question, he’s among the best cornerbacks to ever play the game and one of the finest players in the history of the Broncos. You couldn’t ask for more in a player than what Champ brought to this team. His combination of elite talent, class, leadership and competitiveness made him one of the all-time greats," Broncos general manager John Elway said of Bailey after the team released him on March 6.

Bailey's contract had him on the books to earn a base salary of $9 million in 2014. After leaving Denver and signing with New Orleans, Bailey will likely make less than $7 million over the next two seasons.

Denver Broncos Sign Free-Agent Center Ryan Lilja to One-Year Contract

Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning is going to be reunited with one of his former offensive lineman.

No, not Jeff Saturday.

Ryan Lilja (31, 6'2", 290 pounds) spent five seasons (2004-09) with the Indianapolis Colts as a guard, winning a Super Bowl (XLI) along the way. On Wednesday, Lilja agreed to terms with the Broncos, team executive John Elway announced.

In 2010, Lilja signed with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he spent the last three seasons.  Following the Chiefs' dismal 2012 season, Lilja retired.  But when given the chance to reunite with Manning and perhaps win the starting job in Denver, he agreed to come out of retirement.