Re-signing safety Earl Thomas will be the Seahawks’ number one priority this offseason, tweets NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. An extension for Thomas will take precedence over re-signing cornerback Richard Sherman, with whom the Seahawks may table discussions until more cap room is available. Rapoport further noted that extending both Thomas and Sherman this offseason may require other roster machinations, such as cutting receiver Sidney Rice (Twitter link).
Thomas, 24, was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL draft. A three time All-Pro, he finished the 2013 with five interceptions and 10 passes deflected, and was graded as the league’s ninth-best safety by Pro Football Focus (subscription required). Along with his “Legion of Boom” teammates Sherman, Brandon Browner, and Kam Chancellor, Thomas helped the Seahawks rank first in defensive DVOA.
Thomas will look for a contract similar to the one signed by Eric Weddle in 2011, who received $19MM guaranteed over the course of a five-year deal. The Seahawks face will face other decisions with regards to free agency this offseason, as receiver Golden Tate, defensive end Michael Bennett, and cornerback Walter Thurmond are all free to test the market.