NFL Trade Rumors: 5 players that need to be traded
3. Joe Thomas
The Cleveland Browns shouldn’t be actively shopping left tackle Joe Thomas because he’s by a significant margin their best player. Trading him is the equivalent of waving the white flag for the next few seasons. However, considering how badly a few teams need a left tackle, the Browns would be silly to not listen to offers.
Thomas is easily one of the top five left tackles in the NFL, and he’s a huge team leader on the Browns. Cleveland’s failures in recent years aren’t due to Thomas. Their failures are due to a total inability to surround him with other guys who could help. With the Browns likely not going anywhere the Super Bowl in at least the next three seasons, they should consider trading Thomas. Cleveland reportedly wants a second round pick for him.
Florio said he's been told the #Browns are looking for a 2nd-round pick in exchange for LT Joe Thomas.
— Evan Silva (@evansilva) October 23, 2016
That seems a bit low for an All-Pro left tackle. However, if the Browns can get a team to give up a first round pick or multiple second or third round picks, trading Thomas makes a ton of sense.
Best fits: The Seattle Seahawks could definitely stand to upgrade their mediocre offensive line. Thomas provides a solution for the next three to four seasons. While the Minnesota Vikings don’t have a first round pick since they gave it up for Sam Bradford, they really need a left tackle. So don’t rule them out.