Several sources have informed Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com that Joe Thomas would be open to a trade from the rebuilding Browns to a contender. Numerous executives in turn have pointed out that the Browns, who lost Mitchell Schwartz and Alex Mack on Day 1 of free agency, should consider moving him as they attempt what could be a lengthy reconstruction effort.
A six-time first-team All-Pro, Thomas has said repeatedly he won’t request a trade. He has $29.5MM remaining on his Browns contract, one that runs through the 2018 season.
La Canfora recalls being stunned the Browns balking at the Broncos’ offer of a first-round pick for Thomas at the last trade deadline, and Cleveland collecting a first-rounder for the 31-year-old left tackle is a move he’d implore the team to make considering the franchise’s current state. Some inside the Browns organization regarded a Thomas trade as a key component to the offseason, while Jimmy Haslam hasn’t expressed the same sentiment, La Canfora notes.
The Seahawks, however, could emerge as a candidate to surrender a first-round pick for Thomas, La Canfora writes. John Schneider hasn’t been bashful about dealing first-rounders, having used two in the past four years to acquire Percy Harvin and Jimmy Graham, respectively, and the Seahawks have a need for a blind-side blocker after Russell Okung defected to Denver.
Here’s more from La Canfora.
- Regarding the Colin Kaepernick trade pursuit, La Canfora sees the Broncos as the most interested suitor who may be willing to execute a trade, whereas other teams may be willing to call the 49ers‘ bluff and wait for the sixth-year quarterback’s potential release. The CBS reporter doesn’t see the Browns as being enamored with the signal-caller to the point they’d cough up much in a trade despite recent reports. Numerous executives have informed La Canfora John Elway isn’t panicking about Denver’s suddenly barren quarterback situation in private, and La Canfora wouldn’t expect the Broncos’ sixth-year GM overbidding for Kaepernick or spending much on Robert Griffin III.
- Nick Foles has not generated much of any interest from quarterback-needy teams, La Canfora reports. Due $24MM over the next two years despite having lost his Rams job to Case Keenum, Foles’ trade buzz resides well behind the rumblings generated by Mike Glennon and Brian Hoyer, La Canfora notes.
I’d love to see the Seahawks trade their first for Thomas. He would help shore up our line a ton
I doubt the Seahawks have the cap for Thomas. But yes, huge upgrade.
The reason the browns didnt take a 1st rounder is because they want multiple picks for Thomas. Top 5 left tackle under control for 2 more seasons. Itll take this years 1st, 3rd or 4th this year, and maybe a 2016 4th or 5th. Or they could be seeking a 1st and 1st or 2nd next year. They have thomas for 3 more seasons via the tag.
Although, I do wish the NFL had a a baseball style QO system. You put a rounder tender on 7 of your guys. 1-7 round tender, maybe just 3-7 or 2-7. teams can sign them, but sacrifice that round and the team gains a pick at the end of that round. Teams can choose not to use them. Round tenders come with paying players the set value for their position.
First of all, two reasons to trade Thomas: 1) He deserves to play for a contender and 2) Browns could get a high value haul.
Four contenders most in need of a LOT, all have need to protect QBs, and all are intra-conference contenders:
1. Seahawks (NFC) – just lost Okung; #26, 57, 91, 98
2. Panthers (NFC) – OL cost them SB; #30, 63, 94
3. Chiefs (AFC) – reunites with Schwartz; #28, 60
4. Colts (AFC) – highest picks; #18, 49, 83.
NOTE: Any offers would have to include 1st round pick and also have to include 2017 picks and/or player.
Let the trading begin.