Browns LT Joe Thomas Retiring From NFL

Update:

The Cleveland Browns announced that LT Joe Thomas is, in fact, retiring from the NFL.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” Thomas said. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.”

“From the moment I was drafted, the city embraced me in a way that I could never fully describe. I am proud to call Cleveland home. The loyalty and passion of the fans is unmatched and it was an honor to play in front of them from the past 11 years. I would like to thank all of the coaches, teammates, staff, fans and everyone who has shown me support throughout my career. Even though I will be hanging up my cleats, I will always be a Cleveland Brown.”

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Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Browns LT Joe Thomas will “more than likely” announce Wednesday that he’s retiring from the NFL.

The Browns were reportedly exploring left tackle options to replace Thomas this offseason including Nate Solder, so they were clearly aware that this could be it for Thomas.

Thomas, 33, is a former first-round pick of the Browns back in 2007. He was in the seventh year of his eight-year, $92 million contract that included $44 million when Cleveland reworked his contract to make him the highest paid offensive lineman for the 2018 season.

Thomas is entering the final year of his two-year, $26.5 million contract that included a $1.5 million signing bonus and stands to make a base salary of $10.3 million f ro the 2018 season.

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

We’ll have more regarding Thomas as the news is available.