Jim Thome is Available on Waivers (Updated)
August 22, 2011While We’re Waiting… Pryor to Oakland, Thome to Cleveland?
August 23, 2011
The Cleveland Browns have reportedly agreed to a contract extension with offensive tackle Joe Thomas to the tune of seven years and $84 million, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The deal will reportedly pay Thomas, 26, at least $44 million in guaranteed money and will more than likely ensure that the four-year veteran finishes his career on the shores of Lake Erie.
WFNY has long said that this offseason should be about extending the contracts of core players, firmly placing the three-time All-Pro offensive lineman at the top of the priority list.
Since arriving on the scene in 2007, Thomas has been one of the best – if not the best – at his position which also happens to be one of the more premium spots in the game. Thomas will be a linchpin within the increased passing attack that is expected in 2011 as new head coach Pat Shurmur and team president Mike Holmgren instill their West Coast ways.
The latest move by Tom Heckert et al is undoubtedly money well spent as the Browns look to perennially contend for a playoff spot sooner than later. Expect plenty more of these types of negotiations in the short term as the Orange and Brown focus more on the foundation before they start to build upward.
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Photo via Scott Sargent/WFNY
21 Comments
When somebody learns the cap impact for 2011 please share. IF this chew up 90% of our remaining cap space, so be it
Yay!
Thank God.
Not sure how to process this all-too-coherent plan for building the Browns. Great work Mr Heckert
YES! If he can avoid a Tony Boselli-like injury, he’ll be the Browns’ first Hall of Famer in quite a long time.
Absolutelty the best move that has been made by the current FO! would rather spend the money on our core young players than for some overpriced second or third tier free agent like past administrations!We are headed in the right direction for once
WOOO HOOO!
Also, I might actually have to buy a jersey now and replace the old Jim Brown….I’ve always liked Thomas, but was afraid he’d be gone before I could give it my customary new favorite shirt nacho spilling I always seem to break my clothes in with.
Great, great, if expected move.
I wonder what kind of wording there is protecting the Browns from him retiring early.
Expected, sure – but how often have the Browns done the “no brainer” move?
Jersey debate over.
No brainer is keeping what talent you do posses on the team.
The “brainer” part was whether Thomas was buying what H & H are selling. Every franchise will try to lock up a franchise left tackle. One thing this probably means is that Shurmer is making a decent first impression on the players.
Locking up your young future HOFer and drafting well. What’s not to like.
James Walker had this to say: “Thomas was rewarded for remaining steady in an unsteady environment. I often joke with Thomas that he’s had three head coaches in five seasons. An eternal optimist, Thomas just smiles and hopes the newest regime gets it right.
I really like Thomas. He gets it. He just wants to be a football player and isn’t a “me first” kind of guy. I echo REEPJP’s thoughts and will go purchase a Thomas jersey.
The Browns now move up the list of teams who improved this offseason. Locking Thomas up is as good a move as just about any other team out there made.
My wife bought me a JT jersey for father’s day 2 years ago. That was after she had got me a #17 jersey 5 years ago. Like most people, my wife gets smarter with age.
Best pro athlete in the city…
That Thomas jersey I bought his rookie season keeps paying for itself! Here’s to another 7 years, with that jersey projected to cost me around $6-8 a year for its life-span. I rejected the Quinn, BE, and Rodgers jerseys for that one. Smart move. Related to the story, Im glad the FO has a clear plan. Lets keep this going.
Does this mean more episodes of Outdoors Ohio with D’Arcy Egan?
Thomas jersey. Bought. (great price too)
http://stadiumconnection.bigcartel.com/product/cleveland-browns-authentic-joe-thomas-jersey-3-colors-avail
Did anyone learn anything from this lockout? Because owners overpaying for talent is the same mentality that lead them demanding for more money. It’s nothing more than a profit scheme to corner the market so less fortunate teams wouldn’t able to compete. Regardless no player is worth that much money. These owners and players should be ashamed for conducting themselves in such a greedy, selfish way. Not to mention football’s a team sport which means all talent should be paid fairly.