Broncos Offered First-Rounder For Joe Thomas?

12:19pm: According to Mike Klis of 9NEWS (via Twitter), the Broncos talked to the Browns about Thomas some time ago, but didn’t make a firm offer — the two sides “talked conceptually,” says Klis. Of course, it’s possible that just means the Broncos indicated they’d be willing to give up a first-round pick, even if they didn’t officially put that offer on the table.

10:12am: According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter), the Browns were asking for two first-round pick for Thomas. While reports on Cleveland’s asking price for Thomas have varied slightly, it seems clear that a lone first-rounder won’t get it done.

9:15am: After the Broncos’ starting left tackle, Ryan Clady, went down earlier this year, the team engaged in trade talks with the Browns, offering Cleveland a first-round pick for Joe Thomas, reports Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com. However, according to Grossi, the Browns also asked for second-year linebacker Shaquil Barrett, and the Broncos balked.

Those trade discussions reportedly occurred early in the season, before the Broncos’ lost another left tackle, Ty Sambrailo, to a season-ending injury of his own. As such, it’s possible Denver will increase its offer for Thomas as today’s trade deadline approaches. Still, Jeff Schudel of The News-Herald tweets that he’d be shocked if Cleveland moves its standout left tackle, adding that a club would have to overpay to land Thomas.

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com have also weighed in with the latest on the Browns’ asking prices, with Cole tweeting that an NFC GM told him Cleveland wants a first- and second-round pick for Thomas. Rapoport adds (via Twitter) that Cleveland wants a third-round pick for either Alex Mack or Barkevious Mingo, so none of the club’s trade candidates will come cheaply.

If those asking prices are met, the Browns could become the NFL’s biggest seller at today’s deadline, but it’s also possible the team ends up simply standing pat — GM Ray Farmer and company have less than six hours to make decisions on Thomas, Mack, and others.

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