Browns Rework Joe Thomas’ Contract, Making Him Highest-Paid OL In 2018

Field Yates of ESPN reports that the Browns have reworked LT Joe Thomas‘ contract to make him the highest paid offensive lineman in 2018.

According to Yates, the deal includes $3 million in new money over 2017 and 2018 and a $1.5 million roster bonus that was paid out this week. Thomas’ 2018 base salary increases $1.5 million to an annual salary of $10.3 million.

Thomas is now scheduled to earn $13.5 million for 2018, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL.

Thomas put together, arguably, the most impressive ironman streak in NFL history by playing over 10,000 snaps before this injury forced him to out of Week 7. He’s already a Hall of Fame player and has one year remaining on his contract, so the Browns clearly think he will return to productivity next season.

Thomas underwent surgery to repair a torn triceps injury, while Adam Schefter pointed out that he’ll face a six-to-nine month recovery for this injury.

Thomas, 32, is a former first-round pick of the Browns back in 2007. He’s currently in the seventh year of his eight-year, $92 million contract that includes $44 million guaranteed and was set to make base salaries of $8.8 million over the final two years of the agreement.

In 2017, Thomas appeared in seven games for the Browns and is rated by Pro Football Focus as the No. 4 offensive tackle out of 74 qualifying players

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