Browns ironman Thomas retires; Vikes trade for Siemian
The face of the Browns franchise for more than a decade, and one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history, left tackle Joe Thomas retired Wednesday after 11 seasons, ending a run exemplified by durability, dependability and dominance.
A 10- time Pro Bowler, Thomas ended months of self- reflection and speculation with a bow.
“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” said Thomas, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 draft. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.”
Thomas started 167 consecutive games and was on the field for 10,363 consecutive snaps before tearing his left triceps while blocking on a routine running play during an Oct. 22 game against Tennessee.
“From the moment I was drafted, the city embraced me in a way that I could never fully describe,” Thomas said.
Quarterback news
The Vikings are negotiating a trade with the Broncos to acquire quarterback Trevor Siemian.
With Kirk Cousins reportedly heading to Minnesota, Siemian, who played for Northwestern, would give the team a capable backup. He started 24 games for the Broncos in the last two seasons.
The Broncos signed Case Keenum to a two- year, $ 36 million deal.
Mike Glennon’s two- year deal with the Cardinals is worth a reported $ 8 million.
The Bills signed AJ McCarron to a two- year worth a reported $ 10 million, with an additional $ 6.5 million in incentives.
The Saints signed Tom Savage to be their backup.
This and that
The Lions released tight end Eric Ebron. The 10th overall pick in the 2014 draft would have earned $ 8.25 million this season. Ebron had flashes in his four years, catching 186 passes for 2,070 yards and 11 touchdowns, but poor hands and inconsistent play made him a target for boos at Ford Field.
The 49ers signed running back Jerrick McKinnon to a four- year, $ 30 million deal, with $ 11.7 million guaranteed. They also signed center Weston Richburg to a five- year, $ 47.5 million deal, with $ 28.5 million guaranteed.
The Giants signed offensive tackle Nate Solder to a four- year, $ 62 million deal.
The Panthers re- signed defensive end Julius Peppers to a oneyear, $ 5 million deal.
The Jets signed linebacker Avery Williamson to a three- year, $ 22.5 million deal.
The Cardinals cut safety Tyrann Mathieu after they couldn’t agree on a reworked contract.
The Ravens cut receiver Jeremy Maclin; the Steelers cut defensive backs Mike Mitchell, Robert Golden and William Gay; and the Dolphins cut defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh and tight end Julius Thomas.