Joe Thomas was reportedly close to being dealt to Broncos
Joe Thomas is staying with the Cleveland Browns.
The All-Pro left tackle was the subject of negotiations with the Denver Broncos right up until Tuesday's 4 p.m. trade deadline, according to multiple reports. The Browns were reportedly seeking a first-round pick and an additional high choice, which apparently was too steep of a price for Broncos general manager John Elway to pay.
It was close...so close...but told deal could not get finalized. #broncos #browns
— Dianna Marie Russini (@diannaESPN) November 3, 2015
I'm told Denver was offering a 5th rounder but Cleveland wanted a 3rd rounder...they ran out of time. #Browns #Broncos
— Dianna Marie Russini (@diannaESPN) November 3, 2015
Browns wanted 1rst round and one other high round pick for Joe Thomas. No deal. Too rich #9news #9sports
— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) November 3, 2015
The Broncos were in the market for a left tackle after placing fill-in starter Ty Sambrailo on injured reserve Monday with a shoulder injury. Denver also reportedly inquired about Thomas' availability earlier this season in the wake of starter Ryan Clady's torn ACL, but the asking price was too high.
Thomas has not missed a snap since entering the league as the third overall pick in 2007. His name has been in the rumor mill since a report on Sunday indicated the 2-6 Browns might become sellers at the deadline in order to acquire assets for the future.