Will Earl Thomas replace Jabrill Peppers on the Browns?
By Chris Wurtz
The blockbuster Odell Beckham trade trade just opened up a spot at safety in Cleveland, and the domino effect just may land the Browns another star.
In the wake of one of the most shocking trades of the last decade in the NFL, the Cleveland Browns suddenly need a starting safety. And as if the Browns weren’t already piling up an embarrassment of riches, there’s another star who now makes perfect sense in Cleveland.
The extensive list of big-time free agent safeties was mostly picked over in the first two days of free agency, but former Seattle Seahawk Earl Thomas has yet to find a new home.
As soon word got out that Jabrill Peppers would be headed to New York as part of the Odell Beckham trade, the Thomas-to-Cleveland speculation started to surface:
Is it too soon to mention that the #Browns just traded their starting safety and Earl Thomas needs a new contract?
— Spotrac (@spotrac) March 13, 2019
Those missing Jabrill Peppers are going to love his replacement. #Browns aren’t done.
— Glenn Moore (@GlennMooreCLE) March 13, 2019
Even the outspoken Dez Bryant got in on the fun.
I wouldn’t be surprised if earl thomas go to Cleveland
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) March 13, 2019
It would make plenty of sense. Even after the acquisition of Beckham, the Browns will still have upwards of $40 million in cap space in 2019.
As unbelievable as it would have sounded less than two years ago, Cleveland is already in win-now mode. When they took Baker Mayfield first overall in last year’s draft, they knew he was arguably the most NFL-ready quarterback in that class. Beckham and receiver Jarvis Landry, who Cleveland acquired last offseason, are star wide receivers in their prime.
Remarkably, the Browns have suddenly become a team without many holes on its roster. A safety to start across from Damarious Randall is about all general manager John Dorsey needs, and Thomas is dangling right in front of him.
Thomas stood pat during these first two days of free agency as his counterparts Tyrann Mathieu and Landon Collins inked big-money deals in Kansas City and Washington, respectively.
According to NFL Network, Thomas is looking for a deal in the two year, $30 million range. Dallas, which was thought to be his ideal destination, was not interested in paying that price tag.
Next: Odell Beckham Jr. traded to Browns
Cleveland, on the other hand, who many believe is now a safety away from Super Bowl contention, may be willing to pay top dollar for Thomas. Look out.