Ray Farmer: We haven’t achieved the mark we want

May 9, 2014; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns first round draft picks Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State) and Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M) are introduced to the media with head coach Mike Pettine (left) and general Manager Ray Farmer (left) at the Cleveland Browns Headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Cleveland Browns general manager Ray Farmer had a lot of explaining to do during a press conference following the expiration of the NFL’s trading deadline.

Farmer immediately let it be known that the trade deadline typically creates havoc around the NFL and that most of the rumors are “all just fuel and fire behind the scenes.” He also added that his philosophy is to call around the league, asking if there is any interest in players on the Browns roster and go from there.

“There was no shopping from my perspective, but I definitely listened.” – General manager Ray Farmer

One name that received a great amount of attention was eight-time All-Pro offensive lineman Joe Thomas. Rumors swirled around the Browns possibly accepting a 2016 first- and second-round pick from the Denver Broncos in return for Thomas, who would block for future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Peyton Manning in Denver.

“From my vantage point, we had some conversations, and at the end of the day, they all resonated in the same thing – nothing,” Farmer said of the trade rumors. “With that being said, we haven’t done anything, we didn’t do anything, but the reality for us is that’s generally how the trade deadline goes. Some people make some deals; some people don’t, but generally, people open it up and they have those conversations based upon what the reality could bring.

Related: Browns avoid PR disaster, don’t trade Joe Thomas

“I don’t know if I was really close to completing one. Again, we didn’t actively go out and try to move anybody. There’s not a single team I called and said, ‘Hey look, I’m shopping so and so.’ There was no shopping from my perspective, but I definitely listened.”

In addition to Thomas, the players that Farmer reportedly was listening about included linebacker Paul Kruger, center Alex Mack and linebacker Barkevious Mingo.

In addition to the trade talk, Farmer was questioned over his draft record in the two years he has been the general manager.

The Browns general manager firmly believes that players, such as cornerback Justin Gilbert and quarterback Johnny Manziel, the team’s first-round selections in 2014, all progress at their own rate and it is not time to give up on them.

“Guys grow, and I’ve said it routinely that guys grow at different rates,” Farmer said. “Until the movie is over with, we’ll just continue to evaluate and see where they go.”

“The reality is that I think we are doing a lot of good things.” – General manager Ray Farmer

While Farmer said he agrees with head coach Mike Pettine‘s philosophy that performance, not draft position, should be the basis for playing time, he did admit that he is surprised that Gilbert continues to be outplayed.

“Candidly, yes. At the end of the day you want guys to play and you want them to play right away, you want to put them in there, you want them to go to Hall of Fame and the Pro Bowl,” Farmer said. “That is not the reality for 99 percent of the people in this league – they have a learning curve. Some guys it is steeper than others. When he gets his opportunities I think he has embraced the notion of what he has had of the opportunities that he has been given. As he continues to get his opportunities he will continue to grow with those.”

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Owner Jimmy Haslam has spoken with him recently about the current status of the team, Farmer said, but added that he believes his job is as safe as it was when he first took over as general manager.

Part of that believe is rooted in the fact that, while the Browns are losing, they are keeping the game close.

“We haven’t won, but there are no moral victories in this league, but I really don’t feel like teams are just coming in here and running us over the coals,” Farmer said. “I just don’t feel like that. I don’t feel like we have been taken to the woodshed and teams have just walked out of here and stomped on us and decided this team is terrible. I think that we have been in games and had opportunities to win and we have to find a way to do that.”

“I want the Browns to win and I know fans are impatient and they are growing even more impatient as we are not winning. The reality is that I think we are doing a lot of good things. We just have to find a way to win.  The reality is that there are good football players on this football team. We just have to find ways to push it over. Push over the line.”

With the Browns sitting at 2-6 on the season, Farmer’s seat is getting warmer by the day and many believe that he is the reason to blame for Cleveland’s below-average season. The lack of first-round talent drafted in his tenure, the confusing free agent signings (Dwayne Bowe) and the fact he was suspended for four games this season doesn’t help Farmer’s cause to keep his job.