Negotiations with NFL players this time of year might as well be held on the set of “60 Minutes.” The clock is ticking.

The Broncos opened contract talks with star receiver Demaryius Thomas before training camp. As Denver plays its final preseason game at Dallas, his situation comes back into focus because of an opposing player. Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant created a deadline in his talks this week, knowing it can spur action. He wants to avoid distractions, telling the Dallas media that he will table negotiations until the offseason if a deal is not completed before the Sept. 7 opener.

Bryant wants to be paid like a top-five receiver, meaning he is seeking a salary in excess of $12-million per season. Thomas has never made his contract demands public, and said Tuesday he wasn’t sure if his situation would be affected by Bryant’s talks.

“I am not worried about it. I am just focused on playing and helping this team win,” Thomas said.

Bryant predicted that there’s a “big chance” a longterm deal will be worked out in Dallas.

Thomas caught 24 touchdown passes the past two seasons, and led the NFL in yards after the catch a season ago. It’s unlikely the Broncos would continue negotiations with Thomas once the season begins given their initial reservations to talk during training camp. While Thomas and Bryant have posted monster numbers, their situations are different. Bryant is Dallas’ lone star receiver. The Broncos had four players reach double figures in touchdown receptions last season — Thomas, Julius Thomas, Wes Welker and Eric Decker. They let Decker go in free agency, but added Emmanuel Sanders as a free agent.

The Broncos hold leverage on Demaryius Thomas because they can place the franchise tag on him in the offseason.