BROWNS’ THOMAS TO RETIRE; BILLS SIGN EX-BENGALS QB MCCARRON

Following four trades and a flurry of free-agent deals, the Browns are looking better. Maybe even good enough to win a game next season.

On the day one-of-a-kind left tackle Joe Thomas said goodbye after 11 stellar seasons, the Browns took the first steps without their perennial Pro Bowler, a player who might be replaced but never duplicated.

Hours after Thomas announced he’s retiring, the Browns confirmed the acquisition of quarterback Tyrod Taylor, wide receiver Jarvis Landry and cornerback Damarious Randall in three separate deals pulled off last week by new general manager John Dorsey, who also shipped quarterback DeShone Kizer to Green Bay and defensive tackle Danny Shelton to New England.

Dorsey stayed just as aggressive in free agency, reaching contract agreements with seven players, including offensive tackles Chris Hubbard and Donald Stephenson, who can help offset the loss of Thomas. Running back Carlos Hyde also is leaving San Francisco for Cleveland.

Taylor is expected to start next season as the Browns groom a young quarterback.

Thomas, a 10-time Pro Bowler, ended months of self-reflection and speculation with a bow.

“This was an extremely difficult decision, but the right one for me and my family,” said Thomas, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2007 draft. “Playing in the NFL has taken a toll on my body and I can no longer physically compete at the level I need to.”

Bills: Took the first step in restocking their quarterback position by agreeing to a two-year contract with A.J. McCarron. The 27-yearold spent the past four seasons backing up Andy Dalton in Cincinnati after being selected by the Bengals in the fifth round of the 2014 draft.

With two picks in each of the first three rounds of the draft, Buffalo also is expected to target one of the highly touted quarterback prospects.

Buffalo also agreed to a three-year deal with free agent defensive end Trent Murphy (Redskins), who has 15 sacks in 47 career games, including nine in 2016.

He missed all of last season after tearing ligaments in his left knee.

Giants: Started fixing their woeful offensive line by reaching an agreement with former Patriots offensive tackle Nate Solder. NFL Network reported the Giants will give Solder, 29, a four-year, $62 million deal, making him the NFL’s highest-paid offensive lineman.

Solder will take over at left tackle and 2015 first-round draft pick Ereck Flowers will be moved to the right side.

Cardinals: Arizona released one of its most popular players, safety Tyrann Mathieu, after the two sides couldn’t rework his contract. Mathieu was due for $18.75 million of his contract to be guaranteed when the league year began.

Arizona will save close to $5 million in cap space.

Mathieu has been plagued by injuries and only last season did he appear in all 16 games. He has 11 career interceptions, four sacks, 41 passes defensed and 281 tackles in 66 NFL games.

Jets: After losing out on the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes, the Jets brought back Josh McCown on a one-year deal worth $10 million and agreed to terms with former Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater — also on a one-year contract that could be worth up to $15 million.

The Jets are also adding cornerback Trumaine Johnson (Rams) linebacker Avery Williamson (Titans), running back Isaiah Crowell (Browns) and center Spencer Long (Redskins).

Broncos: Case Keenum is joining his fifth team in five years and Denver is turning to its fifth quarterback since Peyton Manning retired 24 months ago. GM John Elway called Keenum “a great fit for us” after the sixth-year pro parlayed a breakout year in Minnesota into a two-year, $36 million deal.

49ers: Got some needed help for quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, agreeing to a four-year contract with versatile running back Jerick McKinnon (Vikings) and a five-year deal with interior offensive lineman Weston Richburg (Giants).

Ravens: Provided quarterback Joe Flacco with two new potential targets, agreeing to terms with wide receivers Ryan Grant (Redskins) and John Brown (Cardinals).

The club freed an estimated $5 million in salary cap space by cutting receiver Jeremy Maclin.

Vikings: Quarterback Trevor Siemian is being acquired from the Broncos to back up newly signed starter Kirk Cousins. The Vikings are sending an undisclosed 2019 draft pick to Denver in exchange for Siemian, 26, and a 2018 late-round pick.

Colts: Agreed to terms on a three-year deal with free agent defensive end Denico Autry. The 6-foot-5, 270pound Autry was a rotational player in Oakland. He had his most productive season in 2017, finishing with 36 tackles, five sacks and seven passes defensed.

Lions: Unable to trade him and unwilling to pay his $8.25 million salary, Detroit released tight end Eric Ebron, the 10th overall pick of the 2014 draft.

Steelers: Released defensive backs Mike Mitchell, William Gay and Robert Golden, freeing up about $7 million in cap space.

Eagles: Linebacker Nigel Bradham agreed on a fiveyear contract reportedly worth $40 million to remain with the Super Bowl champs.

Browns left tackle Joe Thomas was a 10-time Pro Bowler.