Free agency eve was a stunner for the Browns.

They made all kinds of news concerning offensive tackles, but it didn’t include the guy who everybody thought would be making headlines – one way or another.

While the Browns waited and waited and then waited some more for left tackle Joe Thomas to make a decision on whether or not he is going to retire, they went ahead on Tuesday night and fortified themselves at tackle by agreeing in principal on contracts with former Pittsburgh Steelers Chris Hubbard for five-years and $37.5 million, and with Donald Stephenson, formerly of the Denver Broncos, for one year and $2.5 million.

The Browns also came to an agreement with former Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Chris Smith on a three-year contract for an undetermined amount.

Contracts can’t be signed until free agency opens at 4 p.m. Wednesday.

The Browns are also trying to lure New England Patriots left tackle Nick Solder as the starter at left tackle, but he would sign with the Browns – and they would offer him a contract – only if Thomas retires.

The decision by Thomas was expected a long time ago. It was never expected that he would still be pondering things 18 hours before free agency was set to begin. Why it’s taking him so long is anyone’s guess.

Thomas reportedly said Tuesday night that his decision will hopefully be “right around the corner.”

Hopefully?

Yeah, let’s hope so.

And right around the corner?

OK, but what corner?

On what road?

In what county?

In what state?

Big Joe is on everyone’s all-time favorites list in Browns history. He’s simply a great guy in addition to being a future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

But he is cornering the mark on indecision, which is making it hard for the Browns to completely move forward. That’s not fair to the Browns, who are trying to be as patient as they can with him.

So, come on, Joe, what are you going to do?