NFL Rumors: Cleveland Browns Eyeing Earl Thomas, Golden Tate Becomes Top Offensive Free Agent

Earl Thomas Seattle Seahawks — Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks runs back his interception during the fourth quarter in a 16-10 Seahawks win over the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. Harry How/Getty Images

The Cleveland Browns might not be done making headlines following the biggest splash of the 2019 NFL offseason. After acquiring Odell Beckham Jr. in a trade with the New York Giants, Cleveland is eyeing the top player in free agency.

According to CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora, the Browns feel good about their chances of signing Earl Thomas. The safety remains a free agent two days after NFL teams officially became allowed to negotiate with the agents of available players.

Browns feeling good about the chances to land Earl Thomas. Not sitting back at all. Then stack depth by taking best player available through the draft and get used yo hosting prime time games again. It's on in The Land
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 13, 2019

After spending nine seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Thomas is the best player on the market. He missed the Pro Bowl just once from 2011-2017 and was probably on his way to becoming a Pro Bowl selection in 2018 before suffering a leg fracture.

Thomas won’t come cheap. He’ll command more money than the $42 million safety Tyrann Mathieu reportedly received from the Kansas City Chiefs. Even after adding both Beckham and Olivier Vernon this offseason, Cleveland has more money to spend under the salary cap for the 2019 season than most teams.

The Dallas Cowboys have been linked to Thomas, though they aren’t expected to meet his asking price.

If Thomas is the best defensive player in free agency, Golden Tate is the top available name on the offensive side of the ball. That became the case Wednesday morning when Le’Veon Bell agreed to sign with the New York Jets.

Cleveland certainly doesn’t have a need for Tate with both Beckham and Jarvis Landry on the roster. There hasn’t been a ton of rumors regarding where the former Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver might land.

Philadelphia acquired Tate from the Detroit Lions at last season’s trade deadline. The veteran caught 30 passes for 278 yards in eight games with the Eagles. Philadelphia traded for receiver DeSean Jackson Monday.

Lil bro raising a really good point. _ https://t.co/ifNbATCIzr
— Golden Tate (@ShowtimeTate) March 10, 2019

The Indianapolis Colts have the most money to spend under the salary cap and could make sense for Tate. Tate has indicated on social media that he might have an interest in playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who reportedly have agreed to give Nick Foles more than $50 million guaranteed.

Tate surpassed the 1,000-yard mark three times from 2014-2017.