Thomas was careful to note that while Cleveland is once again locked in a battle that has defined the franchise for much of its existence since returning to the NFL as a breakout franchise in 1999, the goal is not to root on individual players. It’s still more about the team’s pursuit of success, and he believes the Browns have had a return strong enough to inspire optimism.
“But I’m not ready to accept the fact that we’re only allowed to think that our ceiling as Browns fans is celebrating a player having a good season or chasing a record,” Thomas continued. “I don’t want to lose sight of the fact that we’re still here to try to win championships, and when you look at the Myles trade, to be able to get a great young player like Jared Verse, who’s a tremendous pass rusher, who’s a great asset to this team, he’s on a friendly contract there. The next two, three, four years as we’re in this building phase.”
“So when you step away from the feeling of losing Myles, you realize it puts the team in a much better position going forward. And it was the right decision, even though it hurts.”
Thomas’s reaction echoes those who put aside the shock and emotion of such a massive transaction in favor of fundamental analysis in the immediate aftermath, and if all goes well, he will be proven right. The journey between now and the long-term benefits isn’t guaranteed to be smooth, but as a former player, Thomas understands the often cold business of professional sports and how front offices must make tough decisions in the best interest of their team.
Of course, that won’t make the rush experience much easier for Browns fans. But if they’re looking for solace after watching a legend change uniforms, they can look to another who forged his Hall of Fame career in Cleveland.