Browns give OT Joe Thomas raise after season-ending injury

• According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Cleveland Browns have given left tackle Joe Thomas a raise, making him the highest paid offensive tackle in the league. The Browns increased Thomas’ 2017 salary by $1.5M via a roster bonus. He also reportedly received a $3.5M raise in 2018 in the form of a March roster bonus, and a base salary increase from $8.8 million to $10.3 million.
• Before his season-ending triceps injury, the former Wisconsin Badger had not shown any signs of slowing down in his 11th year. He’s currently tied with Philadelphia Eagles Jason Peters as the second-highest graded offensive tackle in the league, with an overall grade of 86.4. His pass block grade of 88.8 currently sits as the second-highest among offensive tackles.
• The veteran’s pass blocking efficiency (measures pressure allowed on a per-snap basis with weighting toward sacks allowed) of 97.3 is the third-highest among 58 qualifying offensive tackles. He did not allow a sack on 300 pass block snaps this season.

*Grades are subject to change and were pulled prior to the Week 9 slate of games in the NFL.