Browns great Thomas to retire

Joe Thomas has decided to end his career as one of the best players to don a Browns uniform and one of the greatest left tackles of all time.

Thomas, who became the face of the Browns and a surefire Hall of Famer during his 11 NFL seasons, announced his retirement in a news release Wednesday afternoon at the age of 33.

A decision had been looming ever since the 10-time Pro Bowl selection’s remarkable streak of 10,363 consecutive snaps ended Oct. 22.

l The Buffalo Bills took the first step in restocking their quarterback position by agreeing to a two-year contract with A.J. McCarron. The 27-year-old spent the past four seasons backing up Andy Dalton.

l Trevor Siemian is being traded from the Broncos to the Vikings, the Star Tribune confirmed, in a deal that also swaps draft picks. The Vikings are sending an undisclosed 2019 draft pick to Denver.

l The Miami Dolphins have released defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, and tight end Julius Thomas, undoing two of the major acquisitions Mike Tannenbaum has spearheaded.

FEDERER AT 15-0

Roger Federer defeated Jeremy Chardy of France, 7-5, 6-4 in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open, and at 15-0 the world’s topranked men’s player is off to his best start since 2006.

l Simona Halep fought the wind and a pesky opponent to reach the semifinals of the BNP Paribas Open. The world’s top-ranked woman outlasted Petra Martic of Croatia, 6-4, 6-7 (7), 6-3.