12:19pm: According to Mike Klis of 9NEWS (via Twitter), the Broncos talked to the Browns about Thomas some time ago, but didn’t make a firm offer — the two sides “talked conceptually,” says Klis. Of course, it’s possible that just means the Broncos indicated they’d be willing to give up a first-round pick, even if they didn’t officially put that offer on the table.
10:12am: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter), the Browns were asking for two first-round pick for Thomas. While reports on Cleveland’s asking price for Thomas have varied slightly, it seems clear that a lone first-rounder won’t get it done.
9:15am: After the Broncos’ starting left tackle, Ryan Clady, went down earlier this year, the team engaged in trade talks with the Browns, offering Cleveland a first-round pick for Joe Thomas, reports Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. However, according to Grossi, the Browns also asked for second-year linebacker Shaquil Barrett, and the Broncos balked.
Those trade discussions reportedly occurred early in the season, before the Broncos’ lost another left tackle, Ty Sambrailo, to a season-ending injury of his own. As such, it’s possible Denver will increase its offer for Thomas as today’s trade deadline approaches. Still, Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald tweets that he’d be shocked if Cleveland moves its standout left tackle, adding that a club would have to overpay to land Thomas.
Jason Cole of Bleacher Report and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com have also weighed in with the latest on the Browns’ asking prices, with Cole tweeting that an NFC GM told him Cleveland wants a first- and second-round pick for Thomas. Rapoport adds (via Twitter) that Cleveland wants a third-round pick for either Alex Mack or Barkevious Mingo, so none of the club’s trade candidates will come cheaply.
If those asking prices are met, the Browns could become the NFL’s biggest seller at today’s deadline, but it’s also possible the team ends up simply standing pat — GM Ray Farmer and company have less than six hours to make decisions on Thomas, Mack, and others.
Broncos won’t give Barrett. He’s going to replace ware in the future and is a good young prospect
If give up Barrett if it meant a left tackle locked up long term
I would NOT trade Thomas, amongst the many reasons, is that the Browns don’t know how to draft quality players in the first round, so it would be a net waste! keep ur rock!
Keep joe you MORONS… What the hell are you going to replace a hof Lt. With. We have nobody.. He has at least 5 solid yrs left kust MORONS..
A trade the Browns don’t need to make! Leave well enough alone
The only way to do this deal is a first and Barrett and DO NOT let Farmer or any of their scouts pick or recommend any players. Let the fans vote and pick the players to be drafted
So The best tackle in the game who wants to be in Cleveland for a very late second which they will use to draft the 5th best tackle in the draft.?!? Seems Legit
Sweet Farmer can pick another bust! Fire this guy, before he sets us back further!!
Sweet Farmer can add add another bust to his mantle. Trading the only future HOFer we had since we came back and he WANTS to be HERE!!!!
Insanity!!! Fire Farmer immediately!!
Buy yourself a championship JohnE, buy your way in.
Denver fans would mutiny if they gave up Barrett.
If the Browns wanted a single first-round pick, I would probably do it. It’s especially more palatable because Denver’s main rival (Patriots) are also without a first-rounder next season.
Denver’s end of the first round pick won’t be with wiping my butt with. Even with adding an end of the second round pick it would be stupid.
So uh, I think they should do a trade this year, since the browns won’t make it to the superbowl, this is his best shot to get a ring this year.
The broncos want him not only because he’s hof, but why not get the guy a ring this year, protecting peyton, that’s GREAT for a resume.