NFL Trade Rumors: Updates on Alex Mack, Joe Thomas and More

Maybe the NFL trade deadline won't be so lackluster after all.

Vernon Davis and Matt Forte have led the charge in trade speculation for Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. While there's a chance the San Francisco 49ers could trade Davis, Forte's injury to his right knee could halt any chances of being moved.

Now, NFL.com's Ian Rapoport released some huge news that could make the trade deadline a bit more enticing. It involves two Pro Bowl offensive linemen from the Cleveland Browns, for reasons unbeknownst to anyone at all.

Here are the latest updates from around the NFL.

Browns Want to Trade Everyone

Apparently, the Browns are considering a fire sale.

Cleveland has been in trade discussions involving Pro Bowl offensive linemen Joe Thomas and Alex Mack, according to Rapoport:

This is really interesting, but it's not surprising. The Browns are 2-6. They're on the verge of another losing season—one filled with disappointment and quarterback conundrums.

For as bad as Cleveland has been in recent memory, Thomas and Mack have been bright spots for the organization. Mack is a two-time Pro Bowler with his recent appearance coming in 2013, and Thomas has made a Pro Bowl every year he's been in the league since 2007. These are constant professionals at their positions.

It's understandable if the Browns want to move Mack and Thomas and give them chances to win elsewhere, but Cleveland has spent the last couple of years trying to build a contender through the draft and free agency. On paper, it's been a successful period. In reality, the Browns are three losses away from an eighth straight year with seven or less wins.

Despite that, Thomas doesn't want to leave Cleveland, per Tom Reed of the Cleveland Plain Dealer:

The same goes for Mack, according to Daryl Ruiter of 92.3 The Fan in Cleveland:

If the two of them want to stay, then it'd be best for Cleveland to honor that commitment to turning this franchise around. Both Mack and Thomas have three years remaining on their respective contracts. Of course, there's value to be had with both of them. But if they don't want to be moved, then they shouldn't be. Expect those two to stay in Cleveland and tough it out for another season.

Rapoport also reported on NFL GameDay Morning that Cleveland is looking to shop outside linebackers Paul Kruger and former No. 6 overall pick Barkevious Mingo, per NFL.com's Conor Orr.

This is 2015, and this is Cleveland Browns football. This is life.

Seahawks Looking to Move Chris Matthews

It was only nine months ago that Chris Matthews was close to being a Super Bowl hero. Now, it looks like he could be moved out of Seattle, according to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora:

Matthews was thought to be one of the Seahawks' rising stars this season after a 109-yard performance in Super Bowl XLIX. Instead, he has as many catches in 2015 as he did in the Super Bowl: four.

Matthews went without a catch for the third time in the last four games on Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys. La Canfora notes that Matthews could be had if the right package of offensive linemen came along.

Hey, maybe Seattle could call Cleveland and see if the Browns will take Matthews for either Mack or Thomas.

No, that will not happen. That would be one of the biggest heists in NFL trading history. But if there's a team looking for a tall receiver who has shown flashes of talent, Matthews will get some interest. The Carolina Panthers could use another receiver and get Cam Newton some help in the passing game. So could the Chicago Bears—if they're not ready to give up on the season.

Matthews may be a realistic name the Seahawks deal come Tuesday.

Jets Searching for New Quarterback

Ryan Fitzpatrick and Geno Smith both got hurt Sunday against the Oakland Raiders. The New York Jets are apparently looking for a quarterback, according to Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.

Jets head coach Todd Bowles said Fitzpatrick suffered torn ligaments in his left thumb after a 12-yard scramble early in the first quarter. Smith, who's missed most of this season due to a broken jaw, left in the fourth quarter after suffering injuries to his shoulder and abdomen.

Florio said the Jets will call around to see if any quarterbacks are available, and Zach Mettenberger came up as a possibility. It's doubtful the Tennessee Titans would move on from Mettenberger, knowing how much opponents have hit Marcus Mariota this year.

If the trade market isn't enticing, Florio also said the Jets will look to free agency for a quarterback. Ryan Mallett, who was just released by the Houston Texans, is a possibility, but New York would have to be desperate to go after him.

The Bryce Petty Era isn't a thing...yet.