New England Patriots: 5 Targets at Trade Deadline

Joe Thomas, OT — Cleveland Browns

If the Patriots want to make a huge splash prior to the upcoming trade deadline, Joe Thomas should be their target. Thomas is arguably the best offensive tackle in the NFL and would obviously make a huge impact for the Patriots up front.

Thomas is 32 years old and his contract runs out at the end of the 2017 season. The Cleveland Browns have been discreet about whether they’d move Thomas or not, but I could certainly envision a scenario where he would be moved.

Thomas is great, but how much value does he really bring to such an obvious rebuilding situation? The 0-7 Browns are obviously not going to be competitive the next couple of seasons. Also, their front office obviously loves collecting as much draft capital as possible.

The Patriots offensive tackle situation is not in danger. Nate Solder has been strong on the left side and Marcus Cannon has played surprisingly well at right tackle. That being said, we have seen Cannon’s struggles against speed rushers before.

Cannon is a strong run blocker, but his pass protection issues are obvious. If the Browns are serious about moving Thomas, then the Patriots would be wise to at least check the asking price. The difference between having Thomas on the offensive line as opposed to Cannon is absolutely massive.

The best way to beat Tom Brady and the Patriots is to put pressure on him. Adding Thomas to the mix would drastically help solve that plan of attack by opposing defenses.