The Denver Broncos are very hungry for a Super Bowl ring, and after already getting Vernon Davis from the San Francisco 49ers via trade for two late draft picks, they’re trying to do the same with Joe Thomas from the Cleveland Browns who isn’t too keen on leaving a losing team.
Thomas, an 8-time pro bowler and five-time first team All-Pro has been a rare bright spot for the Browns during the worst period in franchise history, except the day someone put their team on trucks and hauled them off to Baltimore. The Browns, feeling this season is once again going nowhere (earlier than last year) are trying to make him move away so they can carry on with another rebuilding project. Thomas isn’t too keen on leaving.
Thomas is the third highest paid left tackle in the NFL, making $11.5 million a season on his seven year, $80.5 million contract he signed which was supposed to keep him in Cleveland until 2018. But the good thing about his contract is that from next year he can be cut without dead money having any effect, which makes him a very lucrative signing, even if his ability has been dropping off a bit.
Despite a malfunctioning offense, the Broncos aren’t struggling on the offensive line, allowing just 12 sacks so far this season. Ty Sambrailo might not be the dream left tackle for Gary Kubiak, but the unit playing in front of Peyton Manning is doing a decent job, although it is once again filled with second and default options, something that might be changed if Thomas comes on board to help them remain undefeated and maybe finally take advantage of the ‘Manning window’ before they start looking for a new quarterback.
Thomas, out of Wisconsin, hasn’t missed a single game since his rookie season in 2007. He’s played in all 8 games for the Browns this year, and has made the Pro Bowl in each of his eight NFL seasons, and the All-Pro team in five of the last six seasons.