The Sports Xchange

BEREA, Ohio — The NFL trading deadline of 4 p.m. Eastern time Tuesday without the Cleveland Browns completing a rumored deal that would have shipped All-Pro left tackle Joe Thomas to the Denver Broncos.

An ESPN report had the Browns and Broncos working on a trade that would have sent Thomas and a 2016 fourth-round pick to Denver for the Broncos’ first two picks next year.

Thomas, 30, was the third pick of 2007. He has never missed a snap in a streak now at 8,443. He made the Pro Bowl each of his first eight years in the NFL.

Browns general manager Ray Farmer would not say how close he came to sending Thomas to Denver, but admitted he was busy up to the deadline talking to numerous teams.

“I don’t know if I was actually close to completing a trade,” Farmer said. “I didn’t shop anyone but I definitely listened.

“The trading deadline creates a lot of controversy and a lot of scuttlebutt that generally results in nothing. For example, I would call a team and say, ‘Hey, take a look at our roster. Something interest you? Give me a call.’ Same back and forth.

“As you go through that process, some things are made light of. Some things are serious. Either way it goes, until something is imminent or until a decision is made or a transaction is consummated, it’s all just fuel and fodder behind the scenes.”

Thomas did not want to be traded, but said he wasn’t worried because he had no control over talks. He said people who worry about things they can’t control are “weak-minded.”

“I’m not a quitter,” he said. “I’m not a guy that gives up on my goals and my goal from day one was to be part of the turnaround here and that hasn’t changed.”

Head coach Mike Pettine said he didn’t want to think about what the Browns would be like without Thomas.

“I have a hard enough time dealing in reality,” Pettine said. “That’s a complete hypothetical. You talk about the Cleveland Browns and that’s usually the first name you think of. He’s one of the best players I have ever coached. From a personal standpoint, one of my favorite guys I’ve been around. On the field, off the field, he has been outstanding for us.”

Thomas is under contract through 2018.