It's rare for an NFL team to trade two of its best players in the middle of a season. But that's exactly what the Cleveland Browns may be looking to do prior to Tuesday's deadline.
Browns are reportedly open to trading All-Pro OL Joe Thomas, Alex Mack
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports two of the best offensive linemen in the league might be moved prior to Tuesday’s deadline. Mack said he isn’t going anywhere Monday night.
According to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport, the Browns have engaged in discussions about dealing away their two All-Pro offensive linemen, center Alex Mack and left tackle Joe Thomas. Given the largely woeful state of offensive line play across the league, Cleveland could expect to receive huge returns for both players. One potential trade partner is the Seattle Seahawks, who have surrendered the most sacks in the league this season. CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported the Seahawks are looking to upgrade their unit prior to Tuesday.
On Monday night, Mack said he would not be leaving his team no matter what.
#Browns center Alex Mack weighs in on trade talks: He's not going to waive his no-trade clause. What he told me: pic.twitter.com/D3MmPRinO5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 3, 2015 Mack, who was selected 21st overall in the 2009 draft, has made the Pro Bowl twice and was named an All-Pro in 2013. Prior to a season-ending leg injury in Week 6 of the 2014 campaign, Mack didn’t miss a single game in five seasons.
As impressive as that streak may have been, Thomas has surpassed it. The 2007 No. 3 overall pick hasn’t missed a single game in eight seasons, and has been named to the Pro Bowl every year he’s been in the league. Thomas has been an All-Pro on five occasions as well.
Contractually speaking, the biggest roadblock is Mack’s no-trade clause. But given that he can opt out of his contract after the season and almost signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency last year, he may be willing to waive it. Thomas is signed through 2018, but doesn’t have any guaranteed money on the books for next season.
The 2-5 Browns are currently in fourth place in the AFC North, and appear destined for their eighth consecutive losing season. On top of Mack and Thomas, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Cleveland is also listening to offers on linebacker Paul Kruger. Third-year linebacker Barkevious Mingo is also possible trade bait:
#Browns have made it known they're willing to trade LB Barkevious Mingo, their 2013 first-round pick, source told https://t.co/o11vJSOExu
— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) November 1, 2015 Shedding Mack and Thomas would be the ultimate white flag, but it may be a price worth paying. It’s not often that two players like this hit the trade market, and the Browns would likely receive a huge haul for them to help their rebuilding efforts.
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