Opinion: Browns Should Trade Joe Thomas
With the league’s trading deadline less than 24 hours away, Mike Sando of ESPN Insider and Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com try to guess where certain players might end up in the coming days. The Seahawks would make a perfect fit for Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, opines Sando, who also suggests the Packers try to acquire Torrey Smith and the Bears attempt to find a taker for Alshon Jeffery. Meanwhile, La Canfora focuses solely on Thomas, laying out the case for clubs such as the Cardinals, Broncos, and Colts to go after the future Hall of Famer.
Reaction To The Jamie Collins Trade
The NFL’s official transaction wire lists the Patriots’ return for linebacker Jamie Collins as a conditional 2018 fourth-round pick, not a 2017 third-round compensatory pick as originally reported, according to Doug Kyed of NESN (Twitter link). That could because the deal is stipulated on Cleveland actually receiving a third-round comp pick — if it doesn’t, the Patriots would receive a fourth-round selection, tweets Tony Grossi of ESPN.com.
Here’s where things get tricky: the Patriots must relinquish their highest fourth-round pick in 2017 as part of their Deflategate punishment. So, as Field Yates of ESPN.com explains (Twitter link), the two sides may have worked out an agreement that allow New England to get a fourth-rounder for now, but have that pick turn into a third-rounder — in either 2017 or 2018 — depending on future events. Confused? You’re not alone, but reports should flow in soon that will elucidate the situation.
Let’s take a look at some of the reaction and fallout from today’s shocking trade, from both the Patriots’ and Browns’ point-of-view…
New England Patriots
- The Patriots could have received a third-round compensatory pick by simply letting Collins walk in free agency, but that would have meant waiting until 2018 to recoup the selection, as Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap tweets. Additionally, New England would have had to “tip toe” in 2017 free agency, making sure that it didn’t sign any high-priced outsiders that would cancel out the Collins comp pick.
- Former Patriots/Browns executive Michael Lombardi also offered his take on the trade (all Twitter links), stating that he wasn’t surprised by the deal given that Collins had been freelancing on defense, specifically pointing to two plays against Buffalo on Sunday. Moving Collins, says Lombardi, also serves as something of a wake-up call to the rest of the defense.
- Collins’ absence could offer leverage to fellow linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who is also set to become a free agent next spring, opines Joel Corry of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). By dealing away Chandler Jones over the summer, and Collins now, the Pats are seemingly signalling that they’ve chosen Hightower for the long term. In the immediate future, expect to see more of sixth-round rookie ‘backer Elandon Roberts, with Barkevious Mingo chipping in on passing downs, says Kyed (Twitter link).
- In dueling opinion pieces, Mike Sando of ESPN Insider and Kyed offer disparate opinions on today’s trade, with Sando arguing that the deal makes sense for New England, while Kyed labels it a “head-scratcher.”
Cleveland Browns
- The acquisition of Collins means the Browns need to ramp up talks with impending free agent receiver Terrelle Pryor, as Charles Robinson of Yahoo! Sports tweets. With only one franchise tag to deploy, Cleveland can’t risk allowing both players to hit free agency. Luckily, the Browns have already reportedly engaged in negotiation talks with Pryor.
- In a full-length piece, Fitzgerald writes that the deal doesn’t make a ton of sense from Cleveland’s perspective, even though the team has plenty of cap space to use. Additionally, Collins doesn’t necessarily play an impact position, meaning the franchise tag is less useful. If the Browns don’t re-sign Collins, they could reap a comp pick the following year, but that would likely entail sitting out the free agent period once again.
- Cleveland could theoretically turn Joe Thomas into Collins (and more), say Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link). If the Browns are able to get a second-round pick for Thomas, they’ve essentially acquired a younger player while trading up in the draft.
Browns Waive Connor Hamlett
- The Browns waived tight end Connor Hamlett, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Hamlett appeared in three games after being promoted from the practice squad earlier this month.
Teams Scouting Browns CB Joe Haden
The trade deadline is 24 hours away and teams are doing their homework on Browns cornerback Joe Haden, according to Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link). Haden has been dealing with injuries for the last two seasons, but he is still a well above-average cornerback and could draw interest from teams looking to bolster their defense. 
Haden, 27, was limited to just five games last season because of various injuries, including a concussion. Then, this past spring, he underwent left ankle surgery. It goes without saying that any interested club will want to do a thorough medical examination on the star corner before finalizing a deal.
In his five games played this year, the advanced numbers have Haden ranked as a top 30 cornerback. When he’s healthy and playing at his best, Haden has shown that he can be an elite difference-maker. However, it remains to be seen whether the Browns will be willing to part with Haden. After acquiring linebacker Jamie Collins from the Patriots earlier today, it’s possible that the Browns are not only out of selling mode, but potentially in buying mode.
Patriots Trade LB Jamie Collins To Browns
The Patriots are trading linebacker Jamie Collins to the Browns, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). In return, New England will receive a compensatory third-round pick. The deal has been confirmed via press release.
[RELATED: Download The Must-Have Trade Rumors App Today!]
Recently, the Patriots made a team-friendly extension offer to Collins, but they were rebuffed. The Pats likely didn’t think that they could work out a new deal with the pending free agent, leading them to today’s trade. Of course, New England has a number of key players to take care of, including Martellus Bennett, Malcolm Butler (restricted free agent), Dont’a Hightower, and Logan Ryan. Had the Patriots waited for Collins to sign elsewhere in the offseason, their compensatory pick would have come in 2018.
The Browns, meanwhile, have been stockpiling draft picks in unprecedented fashion and they used one of those selections today to acquire one of the league’s top outside linebackers. Through seven games, Collins has 43 tackles, one sack, three passes defensed, and two interceptions. The advanced numbers at Pro Football Focus have Collins ranked as the No. 9 linebacker in the NFL this year with roughly even grades for his run defense and coverage.
Presumably, the Browns are going to try and lock up Collins on a long-term deal. Cleveland can utilize the franchise tag to keep Collins for the 2017 season and he’s probably the team’s best candidate for that designation.
We haven’t heard any trade rumors involving Collins this week and the deal comes as a complete shock. No one anticipated that the Patriots would deal one of their best defenders this week and no one expected the rebuilding Browns to acquire a bonafide star prior to the deadline. There has been lots of talk about Cleveland moving key veterans like Joe Thomas, but it’s possible that the Browns could continue in buyer’s mode for the next 24 hours.
Browns Unlikely To Trade Josh Gordon
The Browns are “highly unlikely” to trade wide receiver Josh Gordon before Tuesday’s deadline, a source tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Cleveland is said to be open to moving Gordon — and were reportedly shopping him earlier this month — but apparently the odds of a deal coming together are not good.
[RELATED: Cleveland Browns Depth Chart]
Gordon, who was released from rehab earlier today, originally decided to enter the facility following a “slip up,”and reports indicated that Gordon was dealing with an alcohol addiction. Some of Gordon’s past suspensions have been related to alcohol, and the pass-catcher also has a DUI on his rap sheet, so he decided entering rehab was the “extra step” he needed to get well.
Rival clubs were reportedly inquiring on Gordon over the summer, but the Browns indicated that they had no interest in trading their talented yet troubled wide receiver. However, former Patriots/Browns executive Michael Lombardi disputed that sentiment, claiming that Cleveland had been shopping Gordon all summer.
The Browns have indicated that they intend to part ways with Gordon at some point, although he won’t be an unrestricted for some time given his multiple suspensions.
Seahawks, Cards, Broncos Eyeing OL Upgrades
The Seahawks, Cardinals, and Broncos are among the teams internally considering an offensive line acquisition, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, and those clubs are having conversations regarding what they would sacrifice in a trade. The Giants are also interested in making an offensive line deal, per La Canfora, confirming a report earlier today that indicated New York is evaluating the Browns’ Joe Thomas.
[RELATED: Trade Deadline To Be Active?]
Thomas is of interest to Seattle, Arizona, and Denver, as well, but so is 49ers offensive tackle Joe Staley, who is thought to be on the trade block. However, both Cleveland and San Francisco have placed high price tags on their respective tackles, and it’s unlikely that any of the interested clubs will be able to meet the cost, reports La Canfora. Both the Browns and 49ers have downplayed the idea that they’re looking to sell at the deadline, but that could be part of a strategy to drive up the price of their assets.
The Seahawks, of course, have fielded one of the more porous offensive lines for several years, and haven’t seemed interested in making a serious investment along their front five. The offensive line issues have become even more obvious with quarterback Russell Wilson playing through injuries, meaning he can’t move about the pocket with his usual prowess. Seattle also ranks 28th in adjusted line yards, Football Outsiders‘ run-blocking metric, and is now starting George Fant — a rookie undrafted free agent who hasn’t made a start since Pee Wee football — at left tackle.
The Cardinals’ offensive line troubles, meanwhile, have been on the interior, where the club has lost guard Evan Mathis for the season and center A.Q. Shipley hasn’t played well. But an acquisition of Thomas or Staley would clearly offer an upgrade, and would allow Arizona to move former first-round pick D.J. Humphries back to the bench. In such a scenario, either current left tackle Jared Veldheer or the Cards’ presumed addition would shift to the right side.
Like Arizona, most of Denver’s line problems have come on the inside, meaning the Broncos would need to shuffle their line in the event of a tackle trade. If Denver picked up Thomas or Staley, incumbent left tackle Russell Okung would probably move to the right side, allowing Donald Stephenson to switch from right tackle to guard.
Giants Express Interest In Joe Thomas
The Giants have expressed interest in acquiring Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, according to Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com. However, Cleveland does not seem intent on trading Thomas, and New York would need to offer a substantial package in order to pique the Browns’ interest.
[RELATED: New York Giants Depth Chart]
Thomas would certainly be an upgrade to a Giants’ offensive line that has been a mixed bag so far this season. Though New York ranks third in Football Outsiders‘ adjusted sack rate, it places just 27th in adjusted line yards, FO’s run-blocking metric. 2015 first-round pick Ereck Flowers has been adequate at left tackle, but a Thomas acquisition would allow Big Blue to move Flowers to the right side, where Bobby Hart has been overmathed through five starts.
The 31-year-old Thomas is in the midst of another excellent season, as he’s started all eight games and graded as the league’s No. 8 offensive tackle, according to Pro Football Focus. Thomas, a nine-time Pro Bowler, has never missed a contest during his 10-year NFL career, and is actually quite affordable from a cap perspective. Given that the Browns would absorb his remaining signing bonus money, Thomas would only count for $9MM in each of the next two years.
Thomas, a lifelong member of the Browns, has never been to the postseason. Still, he does not want to be traded. First-year coach Hue Jackson addressed reporters earlier this week and said that Thomas would not be dealt between now and the deadline. Despite that, rival GMs believe that top exec Sashi Brown could pull the trigger on a deal, especially since the team is going nowhere in 2016.
Cabot: RGIII Should Play Again This Season
- Browns QB Robert Griffin III does not need surgery at this time, so he could possibly return somewhere between the November 20 game against the Steelers and the Dececmber 11 matchup against the Bengals after the bye week, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Cabot believes the Browns should get RGIII some action this year if possible, as they have to decide if they need to draft a quarterback in April.
Browns Hope To Trade Gordon, Could Move Haden; Thomas Likely To Stay
- Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that the Browns will indeed try to trade Josh Gordon prior to the deadline. We learned earlier today that Gordon was recently released from an inpatient rehab facility and that he is eligible to be traded despite the fact that he has not been reinstated by the NFL. Even if he is dealt, of course, he would need to be reinstated before suiting up for his new club.
- We also learned earlier today that the Browns could look to move Joe Haden, who has been generating a fair amount of interest around the league, but that Joe Thomas will likely remain in Cleveland.
- Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com says he would not be surprised if Eagles GM Howie Roseman at least made a call to the Browns to inquire about Josh Gordon.