Browns, Broncos Deal Falls Through, Colts Fire Hamilton

In the end, the Cleveland Browns were not going to part with eight-time Pro Bowl selection Joe Thomas without an offer that made it worthwhile to do so, and the Denver Broncos, Super Bowl aspirations or not, were not going to put themselves in a draft or salary cap bind to make the deal.

The two teams had discussions leading up to, and just before, Tuesday's trade deadline about the Browns left tackle, but neither team felt good enough about the offers on the table to close the deal.

Multiple sources confirmed Tuesday afternoon, just after the deadline had passed without a deal, that the Browns had asked for as much as two first-round picks from the Broncos at one point and that early Tuesday afternoon, Mountain time, the two sides were closing in on a package that included Thomas and a Browns fourth-round pick in exchange for the Broncos' first- and second-round picks in the 2016 draft but that the Browns also wanted to include the Broncos' 2016 third-round pick.

At that point no deal was made, and the 7-0 Broncos will continue to rotate Ryan Harris and Tyler Polumbus at left tackle while Thomas will continue to be one of the Browns' foundation players.

Colts fire Pep Hamilton

The Indianapolis Colts have fired offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton, the team announced Tuesday. Rob Chudzinski will replace Hamilton as the team's offensive coordinator.

"Through the first eight weeks of the season, we have felt our offense hasn't performed at the consistent level that we need," coach Chuck Pagano said in a statement issued less than a day after the team's 29-26 overtime loss at Carolina.

"Because of this, we've decided to go in a different direction and relieve Pep Hamilton of his duties as offensive coordinator. As head coach of this team, it's my responsibility to make sure I'm doing everything we can to put us in the best position to succeed. We thank Pep for his service to the team and wish him all the best."

Chicago Bears: The Bears have Wednesday off before preparations begin for their game against San Diego. Linebacker Sam Acho talked at length on Tuesday about the need to improve the pass-rush. The Bears have only 12 sacks in seven games. Pernell McPhee and Jarvis Jenkins have combined for 8.5 of the quarterback takedowns. Acho said the supporting cast needs to step up, beginning on Monday night when Chicago faces the dangerous Phillip Rivers. There is legitimate concern that if Rivers has too much time to throw, the veteran quarterback will rip apart the Bears' suspect secondary. Kyle Fuller is the only Bears' defensive back with a takeaway on the year. -- Jeff Dickerson

St. Louis Rams: Herschel Walker attend Tuesday's Rams practice and got some time to catch up with fellow former Georgia running back Todd Gurley. Walker said he believes Gurley is helping remind teams that running backs are important in the NFL. Walker added that Gurley reminds him of several different backs but mentioned a Gale Sayers comparison specifically. -- Nick Wagoner