While Cleveland Browns center Alex Mackwill not waive his no-trade clause, the team's stalwart left tackle Joe Thomas remains on the trade block. And the Browns aren't looking to just give him away.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday morning that the team is looking for more than a first-round pick in exchange for Thomas. They also want a third-round pick in exchange for linebacker Barkevious Mingo and were looking for a third-rounder for Mack when they were trying to deal him previously. The NFL's trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET.
ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi reported that the Broncos were willing to trade a first-round pick for Thomas earlier this year after their left tackle Ryan Clady was injured, but the Browns' interest in linebacker Shaq Barrett killed the deal. The Broncos were counting on rookie Ty Sambrailo to take over at left tackle, but now he is out for the season with a shoulder injury. Ryan Harris played left tackle Sunday in an improved performance for the Broncos, with Michael Schofield on the right side.
The asking price for Thomas is not a surprise. He remains one of the best left tackles in the league and certainly will be in discussion someday for the Hall of Fame after eight Pro Bowls and five first-team All-Pro nods to start his career. It's extremely rare that such a quality tackle becomes available in the middle of his career. Teams usually hang on to similar players (Orlando Pace, Walter Jones, Jonathan Ogden) until they retire.
