NFL Rumors: Joe Thomas Leaving Cleveland Browns For Seattle Seahawks
NFL rumors have been swirling around Joe Thomas because the Cleveland Browns are exploring trade options for the star left tackle. Since the team is still stuck in a rebuilding period, the Browns are interested in sending Thomas to a team that can contend for the Super Bowl next season. The Seattle Seahawks are a legitimate contender, and they desperately need upgrades on the offensive line. According to CBS Sports, the Browns could trade Thomas to the Seahawks.
Last season, the Seattle Seahawks had one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL. It seemed like starting quarterback Russell Wilson was scrambling for his life on every single passing play. Marshawn Lynch, now retired from the National Football League, saw his rushing average drop a bit, and the belief was that the poor play of the offense line was partly responsible for that. It should come as no surprise that the Seahawks are looking for better blockers.
To make things worse for the Seattle Seahawks, Russell Okung has left via free agency and joined the Denver Broncos. He was their starting left tackle last season, and he was an above average player in the NFL. A weak offensive line gets even weaker. Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll intends on resolving the issues on his offensive line. Aside from looking around in free agency, Seattle is expected to select offensive linemen in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Joe Thomas would be an upgrade over Russell Okung. Then again, Thomas would be an upgrade for most NFL teams at the position. Thomas is one of the best in the National Football League at what he does. Russell Wilson would probably buy Thomas a fancy steak dinner every single week because he would ensure that the quarterback’s blind side wouldn’t be invaded by defensive ends and linebackers.
If the Seattle Seahawks were to trade with the Cleveland Browns for Joe Thomas, then the 31-year-old left tackle would be paving the way for Thomas Rawls. The 22-year-old will be taking over for Marshawn Lynch, a workhorse running back that carried the Seahawks at times. Rawls is also a cheaper option than Lynch, so Seattle might have some wiggle room with their salary cap space. That enables the Seahawks to continue to challenge for a spot on the Super Bowl, which has to be appealing to Thomas.
The Seattle Seahawks would surely have some competition for the services of Joe Thomas. The Carolina Panthers lost in the Super Bowl to the Denver Broncos because their offensive tackles could not handle Von Miller and DeMarcus Ware. The team would gladly pay an arm and a leg to acquire someone as good as Thomas is. Cam Newton might chip in as well.
The Minnesota Vikings might also be another candidate to pursue Joe Thomas. The combination of Adrian Peterson, still one of the best running backs in the NFL, running behind Thomas would be quite the threat to opposing defenses. Having a running game that strong would make life easier for Vikings starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, who is still learning the ways of the National Football League and could use the help.
Joe Thomas is a very loyal human being, so he’s not going to request or demand a trade from the Cleveland Browns. He’ll sacrifice his career and be on a losing team for the rest of his NFL career. If the Browns wanted to gain some points with sports fans, then they should reward Thomas for his loyalty by sending him to a team that can help him finally get to the Super Bowl.
[Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images]
