Demaryius Thomas, Dez Bryant likely getting franchise tag

Two of the best players slated to hit free agency are already coming off the market, sort of.

With Tuesday's deadline to use the tag almost here, the Broncos will be using it on Pro-Bowl receiver Demaryius Thomas, according to Pro Football Talk. The two parties simply aren't close to a deal, and Thomas will remain in Denver for at least one more season.

If he'll stay beyond that remains to be seen. It's hard to imagine Peyton Manning playing beyond this upcoming season, so perhaps Thomas will be fine with playing the year under the tag, and then leave in 2016 to sign a big deal with a team that may have a better long-term answer at quarterback.

Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant will also be getting the franchise tag ahead of Tuesday's deadline to do so, executive vice president Stephen Jones confirmed via ESPN. Both Bryant and Thomas will be earning around $13 million in 2015 under the receiver tag.

That doesn't mean both players are guaranteed to be back with their respective teams though. Dallas and/or Denver could choose not to match an offer sheet in 2016 and let their respective players walk, while getting two first round draft picks in return.