John Elway never feared an expiring clock as a player. He did his best work with the seconds ticking away. The Broncos’ general manager attempted to conjure up the old magic Tuesday, making a bold but unsuccessful attempt to acquire Cleveland all-pro left offensive tackle Joe Thomas.

In the end, the deal fizzled over the amount of compensation Cleveland wanted, not because of the 2 p.m. deadline or money. The Broncos were poised to restructure contracts, meaning the salary cap would not have been an issue in taking on Thomas’ remaining $4.15 million this season, according to an NFL source.

WATCH: Will Broncos vs. Patriots be an undefeated match-up?

The Browns’ asking price was deemed too high. While there were different permutations, Cleveland sought Denver’s first- round pick in 2017 and a second-round pick in the 2016 draft at different points in the discussions.

The Browns were reluctant to budge. Thomas is their best player and remains affordable, with $25.9 million remaining through 2018 in nonguaranteed money. The Browns were not motivated to move him, requiring a deal that would overwhelm them.

“We had some conversations, and they resulted in nothing,” Browns general manager Ray Farmer told the Cleveland media on Tuesday. “I did no shopping, but I definitely listened.”

WATCH: Denver Broncos Week 9 report by Troy E. Renck

After the Broncos acquired tight end Vernon Davis from San Francisco on Monday, Elway said he was open to more deals. The Broncos first approached Cleveland about Thomas last month after starting left tackle Ty Sambrailo injured his shoulder in Detroit. Talks heated up Tuesday as the Broncos made a final push.

The Broncos are alternating at left tackle with starter Ryan Harris receiving slightly more snaps than Tyler Polumbus. Sambrailo will be placed on the season-ending injured reserve list and undergo surgery on a torn left labrum, clearing a roster spot for Davis.

WATCH: Should the Broncos go after Colin Kaepernick?

The third overall pick in the 2007 draft, Thomas boasts all-pro honors in seven consecutive seasons. He is regarded as the league’s best left tackle. He also is an anchor in Cleveland. He didn’t want to leave the Browns, the only NFL team he has played for. And Cleveland wasn’t going to cede any leverage in talks.

“When you talk about the Browns, he’s the one player I think of,” Browns coach Mike Pettine said. “He’s one of the best I’ve ever coached.”

The Broncos also have been encouraged by their offensive line’s improvement, creating a line in the sand regarding the Browns’ asking price. After a shaky start, the Broncos haven’t allowed a sack in back-to-back games, while rushing for 312 yards over this stretch.

Troy E. Renck: trenck@denverpost.com or @troyrenck