Cleveland Browns

Has Joe Thomas played his last game with the Browns?

Published Jan. 5, 2016 10:07 a.m. ET

foxsports

By Josh Poloha

Cleveland Browns Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas has repeatedly stated that he wants to remain with the Browns despite the dismal seasons that the team has gone through since he was drafted with the third overall pick in 2007. However, for the first time, Thomas seems to be at odds with his future in Cleveland following yet another head coach and general manager being fired in Cleveland.

During his exit interview with the media, the future Hall of Fame player did not sound particularly enthralled in another Cleveland Browns reboot.

“It doesn’t make you happy when you have to go through another coaching change.” Thomas said “It is tough on everybody. Coaching changes and organizational changes always set you back. It is a tough process to go through. Nobody is happy about it, and it is never easy.”

Although he was not happy, he admitted the firings were not a surprise, considering the Browns had just ended a 2015-16 campaign in which they had won just three games after starting the season 2-3.

“I wouldn’t say it was a surprise based on the reports that were out there going into the game.” Thomas admitted. “Just based on the record we had this season, 3-13 certainly isn’t good enough to keep your job almost anywhere.”

Obviously, going through as many coaching changes as he has gone through will always be tough, but these quotes are the first time that the 31-year old has shown a little anger toward the situation with the Browns, at least to the media.

The Wisconsin graduate has (finally) admitted that the team’s struggles have taken a toll on who he is, and, although he has been true to Cleveland and the Browns for the first nine years of his career, he is beginning to question things.

“You always think ‘Oh well, we’ll get it done tomorrow,’ but as you get older the tomorrows become fewer and far between and you become more reflective on your football mortality,” he said. “Who knows who is going to be back next year?…It’s tougher every time it happens because you realize you are closer to your end. Every time there is a reset it puts you further away from that goal of making the playoffs and, once you’re in, making that push for a Super Bowl, which is every player’s dream.”

The 9-time Pro Bowler who has never missed a snap, let alone a game (yes, you read that right) has been the face of the franchise for the Browns since his selection. However, Joe Thomas has never played in a playoff game.

“When there are changes in the front office and changes to the coaching staff, they may not want me – (they might want) to go younger,” he said following the Browns’ season-ending loss to the Steelers — again. “It may be a situation where I don’t want to be here. There are too many unknowns to say one way or the other.”

Thomas was also reportedly involved in trade talks in November 2015 – with him going to Denver for draft compensation. But, Thomas denied those rumors and said that he knew little about any trade discussions until after the trade deadline had passed.

With three years remaining on his $80.5 million deal, Thomas could be a hot commodity this off-season, especially for contender who needs a Pro Bowl left tackle to secure their offensive line.

When asked about Thomas’ comments, offensive lineman Joel Bitonio mentioned that he has yet to go through what the left tackle has gone through in Cleveland, but admitted he could see how tough it could be.

“I am sure he has had a lot of coaches and different general managers and stuff like that.” Bitonio noted. “It is a lot on you, especially for a guy that has played nine years now. He has been through so many different offenses and so many different things. I understand where his mind is at, but I respect his decision. He has been to nine Pro Bowls. He is going to do what is right for him and his family. I have no idea what that is. We will see how that goes. I think it is just something you get frustrated with over time.”

When asked directly if he wanted to leave, the future Hall of Famer responded with, “I have no idea. I will have to wait and see what happens with everything next week.”

Browns fans should hope Thomas continues his career in Cleveland and retires as a Cleveland Brown. But, then again, Thomas deserves to be on a team that makes the playoffs and has a chance to make the Super Bowl – and even win one. Not many players like to stay on a team that continually loses, but Thomas has done just that, and more, for the Browns.

For now, it is a waiting game to see if No. 73 will be securing the left side of the offensive line for his 10th season in Cleveland or if there will be a new face in 2016.

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