Demaryius Thomas will remain a Denver Bronco one way or another.

Broncos GM John Elway told reporters at the NFL scouting combine Thomas will be franchise tagged if he and the team can’t work out a long-term deal beforehand.

“If we can't get something done, yeah, we'll tag Demaryius,” Elway said. “Our goal is to get something done with Demaryius ... but the bottom line is we want Demaryius to be a Bronco.”

The Broncos have until March 2 to place the franchise tag on Thomas.

The 27-year-old wide receiver is coming off another great season, recording 1,619 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. For his career, the former first-rounder has 5,317 receiving yards and 41 touchdowns.