Cleveland Browns future Hall of Famer Joe Thomas is one of the best left tackles to ever suit up in the NFL. He’s been the face of the franchise during an 11-year career that hasn’t seen Cleveland make the playoffs once.
Thomas is also 33 years old and coming off the first major injury of his illustrious career.
He now has some words of wisdom for the Browns’ front office and new general manager John Dorsey. Prepare to replace me.
“No matter what I decide to do, this is the last year of my contract in Cleveland. I’m also 33 right now,” Thomas said, via The News-Hearld. “They need to be planning for somebody else pretty soon down the line whether it’s this year or next year.”
Thomas just recently received a new deal from the Browns that guaranteed him more money for the 2018 campaign. He’s now set to make a $10.3 million base with a $3 million roster bonus. It could very well be a representation of the Browns knowing full well Thomas plans on retiring here soon, taking care of him in the process.
A 10-time Pro Bowler, Thomas had had not missed a single game in his career prior to going down with torn triceps back in October.
There had previously been suggestions that Thomas wanted to be traded to a contender. Those have since been muted. And if he does indeed decide to play, the team would be best served keeping him at left tackle with a young quarterback likely under center next season.
Still, this is most definitely something to keep an eye on as the 2017-18 NFL season concludes and the offseason itself starts. If Thomas were somehow placed on the trade block, a bevy of NFL teams would certainly come calling.