Demaryius thomas wasnt that good his first couple years.
D.Thomas is a great example of the development conundrum. He is almost for sure gone as a free agent next year, so Denver got to enjoy him for just three productive years. And he represents one of the best-case scenarios. He developed to a lot higher level than most, and he's still in Denver only because they signed him to an original 5-year contract (and with the good luck he didn't get injured like Quick). And with all that good fortune, they got 3 seasons.
The final kick in the pants of this injury is it occurred just after Quick got credited for his third accrued season, so he's still on track to be an unrestricted free agent after 2015. So it is great to see Quick develop, but a shame it might mean the Rams only get Quick for one productive season (assuming he does well and is injury-free next year).
Under the CBA a team can control a rookie for 4 years (5 years possible for 1st rounders, only 3 years for undrafted rookies). The Not For Long aspect to the sport continues to amaze me. Teams want to build through the draft and not use free agency, but if players just leave once they've finally developed it certainly makes it hard to maintain a young, productive roster. And it's not like you can just park a bunch of developing guys in the minor leagues, the roster size is limited, too.