Demaryius Thomas is not expected to report to training camp without a new contract.

Considering the challenges of adjusting to Gary Kubiak's new offense, it's even more imperative that Peyton Manning hones his connection with his No. 1 receiver.

League executives have suggested to Ian Rapoport that Thomas deserves to be paid on par with Calvin Johnson, who signed an eight-year, $130 million contract in 2012.