Browns tackle Joe Thomas on Tuesday discussed his contract extension, a deal that will keep him in Cleveland the rest of his pro career. A Pro Bowl-selection in each of his four NFL seasons, Thomas will be Cleveland's left tackle for a long time. On Monday night, Thomas signed a seven-year, $84 million extension to stay with the team. "The things that I've seen here in the last couple years, the type of coaches that we're bringing in here, the type of players we're bringing in, the staff that we put together, it's really exciting for me to see the direction this franchise is headed," Thomas said. "That was the main reason that I wanted to stay here and continue to work on this journey." Thomas said he became convinced there was a bright future in Cleveland not long after owner Randy Lerner hired former Green Bay and Seattle coach Mike Holmgren as his president to oversee the Browns. "A couple years ago there were a lot of questions about the future of this franchise, a lot of instability not only in the front office, but the coaching staff and players," Thomas said. "I think right now, the vision that everybody has, the way everyone is on the same page, there is nothing but success in the future here. I wouldn't have stayed if I didn't see those things. To me, it's all about winning and that's why I wanted to stay here. "I could have tried to go to free agency, but I really wanted to be here. I love Cleveland and have loved this organization since the day I walked out here. More importantly, this is going to be a heck of a franchise."