The National Football League trade deadline is usually a dud, and it’s entirely possible that nothing could come of any of this, but the fact that Cleveland is willing to listen on such talented players is certainly an interesting wrinkle.
Advertisement
As it becomes clearer and clearer that the Cleveland Browns have wasted an entire career of their elite left tackle in Joe Thomas, the debate surrounding his future value to a team years away from contending is starting to bubble up. “I’m not a guy that gives up on my goals and my goal from day one was to be part of the turnaround here and that hasn’t changed”.
NFL Network, which is owned and operated by the league, often announces “news” that is directly fed to its staff by front office personnel.
He’s the kind of player playoff contending teams could likely find a use for, and with his salary ($7 million, and he’s due to $6.5 million in 2016 and $7 million in 2017) the Browns might rather have the money to spend elsewhere. “For Mack, he faces the possibility of opting out this offseason of his long-term contract”.
Thomas admitted that Cleveland’s perennial loser status is disheartening, as is its current record, so he understands why his name is being floated.
The trade deadline is Tuesday at 4 p.m. Head coach Mike Pettine said during his conference call with the media on Monday that he would address the trade rumors surrounding his team during a scheduled meeting.
“It’s not fun to be on a team that’s losing”.
Mack has a no-trade clause in his contract but would be allowed to waive it to OK a trade, Rapoport reports. He actually signed the pact with Jacksonville on April 11, 2014 – as a restricted free agent – before Cleveland exercised its right to match the terms. I want to be here. “I’m not going to speak out of turn when I’m not sure”.
Mack, who was selected 21st overall in the 2009 draft, has made the Pro Bowl twice and was named an All-Pro in 2013.
Advertisement
Nothing should probably come as a surprise when it comes to the Browns, and there are plenty of people who are going to easily jump on the idea of the team quitting on the season, but these rumors seem to be nothing more than people looking to fill up the endless hours of pregame coverage on a Sunday morning. Thomas has been an All-Pro on five occasions as well.
