By all indications, Joe Thomas will remain with the Cleveland Browns, closing the door on another year of swirling trade rumors.

But if his agent, Peter Schaffer, had his druthers, the All-World left tackle would be suiting up for the needy Denver Broncos in 2017.

In a recent interview with Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro on Mile High Sports Radio, Schaffer discussed Thomas' future in Cleveland and his potential fit in Denver, claiming his client's content as is -- that is to say, part of yet another rebuilding project.

“‘Joe’s such a good person that, you know, he’s never gonna complain about being on the Browns," Schaffer said. “He’s an incredibly optimistic guy."

“As they rebuild the team, he gets more and more excited about the direction that team’s going,” added Schaffer, who's likely repeated this sentence before

But ...

“He did me tell though that if there’s any place he’d like to be, he does love the Rocky Mountains,” Schaffer revealed.

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Interesting. Even more so considering Thomas came close to his wish of a dream destination in 2015, when the Browns and Broncos nearly agreed on a deal that included the 10-time Pro Bowl protector. Negotiations fell through, however, just before the trade deadline, as Cleveland's asking price (reportedly two first-round picks) was too rich for the Broncos' blood.

Sixteen months later, Denver's need for a starting tackle could finally match Cleveland's demands, provided they're still even willing to move Thomas, who's entering the sixth of the monster eight-year, $92 million extension he signed in 2011.



The Broncos cut ties with Russell Okung, who signed with the Chargers, and have yet to secure his replacement. None of the players being considered for the role (Donald Stephenson, Menelik Watson, Michael Schofield) are true LTs.

There's the possibility that the team uses its first-round pick, No. 20 overall, to address the position. Can Wisconsin's Ryan Ramczyk or Utah's Garett Bolles be the answer? Perhaps, but it's not best-case-scenario to entrust a rookie on the blindside.

The Broncos had the right idea last offseason, when they corralled Okung and Stephenson -- a pair of veterans -- to stabilize an otherwise young offensive line. It just didn't work out with either acquisition.

Thomas, who's as close to a sure thing as you can get in this sport, is a different case. The 32-year-old would instantly turn the Broncos' glaring weakness into an overwhelming strength, pairing nicely with new additions Watson and Ronald Leary.

This is a match that makes perfect sense, for both sides.

So will it happen?

“I’m doing my best," Schaffer said.



Follow Zack Kelberman on Twitter: @Kelberman247