3 veterans Cleveland Browns should consider trading for after first round

49ers Defensive End Solomon Thomas

Solomon Thomas has not lived up to expectations by any means since being selected with the third overall selection in the 2017 NFL Draft. Expected to make an immediate impact in the NFL, Thomas has struggled to even be noticed on the field.

In 30 career games, including 25 starts, Thomas has made 72 total tackles, 13 tackles for loss, four sacks, and 17 quarterback hits. The 49ers have played him on the edge and the interior, but neither area has equated to success for Thomas.

Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio reported before the draft that San Francisco was shopping Thomas. The report gained even more credibility when the 49ers selected Nick Bosa with the second overall selection, adding to an already loaded defensive line.

Because Thomas has not played to his potential, it will be hard for the 49ers to receive good compensation in a potential trade. San Francisco may rather see if Thomas can take a huge jump in development instead of getting a less than stellar return in a trade.

But for the Browns, they should be willing to take a chance on Thomas. The Browns have extra picks in the middle rounds of the draft, so they would have the assets needed to make a move. And Thomas would not be relied upon as a starter immediately and would provide much-needed depth on the defensive line.

With Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon starting on the defensive line, Thomas would be a rotational player. But if Vernon struggles in 2019, the Browns may decide to cut him at the end of the season instead of paying his $15.5 million price tag in 2020. Thomas would then be able to step in as a starter while being able to develop with a new coaching staff in 2019.