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Broncos, Browns Unable to come to Terms on Joe Thomas Deal

By Randy Gurzi

Oct 4, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas (73) jogs onto the field during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Cleveland Browns tackle Joe Thomas (73) jogs onto the field during the first quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos tried to trade for Joe Thomas, one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, but could not agree with the Browns on compensation

The Denver Broncos are sitting pretty with a record of 7-0 after Week 8 and already bolstered their offense by trading for tight end Vernon Davis from the San Francisco 49ers. They also tried to improve their struggling offensive line before the trade deadline by discussing a deal with the Cleveland Browns for tackle Joe Thomas.

Denver has been a high powered offense since signing quarterback Peyton Manning in 2012. However, before this season Peyton turned 39 and has showed signs of aging. He has posted his lowest quarterback rating since his rookie year with a pedestrian 75.1 rating. Manning has also tossed only seven touchdowns to 11 interceptions.

The veteran quarterback is not alone in the offensive struggles as the running game has been non-existent. The Broncos average only 95.7 yards per game, good for 26th in the league.

Unlike years past, this Denver team is winning with their defense. The team ranks first in points surrendered (16.0), first in total yards (261.1), first in passing yards (171.9) and fourth in rushing yards allowed (89.3).

With Manning approaching 40 and the defense playing lights out, it only seems logical that team president John Elway would be all-in on 2015. Still, with that mindset the Browns apparently wanted more than Elway was willing to part with as reported by NFL Insider Ian Rapoport.

"“It’s not that they (ran) out of time moving up to the deadline, it’s just that they couldn’t agree on compensation,”Rapoport said. “The Browns were asking for a very steep price, more than a first-rounder for a potential Joe Thomas deal, and that simply was not going to happen. So that is why he’s remaining a member of the Cleveland Browns.”"

The Broncos reportedly did offer a first-round pick for the eight-time Pro Bowl player, but the Browns believed the player they picked third overall in 2007 was worth more than that.

Despite missing out on the All-Pro tackle, landing Vernon Davis should still make a strong impact for the team that’s struggling to replace the production of tight end Julius Thomas, who left for Jacksonville this offseason.

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