Broncos place non-exclusive franchise tag on Demaryius Thomas

The Denver Broncos aren't prepared to lose star wide receiver Demaryius Thomas.

Denver placed their non-exclusive franchise tag on the 27-year-old wide receiver Monday. 

Absent a long-term contract extension, Thomas will return to the Broncos under a one-year deal worth nearly $13 million. 

Thomas recorded 111 catches for 1,619 yards and 11 touchdowns in 2014. 

The Broncos' decision means tight end Julius Thomas will hit free agency on March 10, unless the two sides can work out an extension.