Left tackle and 3rd overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Joe Thomas, officially signed with the Cleveland Browns yesterday along with Eric Wright (their 2nd round pick). The full terms of the deal have not yet been disclosed, but he will receive a 6-year deal with $23 million guaranteed. The first drill of training camp begins today at 3:30PM, and the only one not present among the Browns’ top picks will be Brady Quinn [Thomas, Wright sign… A good start to camp].
The fact that Thomas is signed in time to take the first snaps of training camp is important. He now has the ability to be a starter from day 1. Thomas is represented by Peter Schaffer of All Pro Sports & Entertainment, and had a bunch to say about the agency a few days before he ended up officially signing with the Browns:
“One of the big things I really liked,” Thomas said, “he (Schaffer) respected everyone, no matter how important or unimportant they were in the process. He never wanted anyone to feel like they were being taken advantage of. I think a lot of big-time agents go on power trips after they have big-time clients, but he has never done that. My goal was to find a firm that had top prospects, but yet hasn’t turned into a super megafirm where you don’t get the personalized service that you’re looking for.” [Unsigned, Thomas’ patience being tested by Browns].
The article also points out that Thomas expressed to his agent that he wanted to be in uniform for the first day of training camp. Schaffer made good on giving his client what he wanted, which is what matters in the end.
-Darren Heitner
