After safety Earl Thomas skipped the Seahawks‘ mandatory minicamp, ESPN.com writers huddled up suggest hypothetical trade scenarios for the Pro Bowler. The Cowboys and Chargers, they say, could offer draft picks, while the Patriots’ beat writer suggests a one-for-one deal with right guard Shaq Mason going to Seattle.
If a trade happens, any team acquiring Thomas will have to hammer out an extension with him. Writer Dan Graziano, playing the part of Thomas’ agent, proposes a four-year, $56MM extension starting in 2019, which would make him the league’s highest-paid safety ($14MM/year) in terms of new money. He also suggests $32MM in total cash flow between 2018 and 2019, which would give Thomas ample security as he enters his age-29 season.
While you ponder whether a team would be willing to part with significant compensation and give Thomas that sort of deal, let’s take a look at more items from the West divisions:
- There are rumblings of another suspension in Martavis Bryant‘s future, but Vic Tafur of The Athletic hears the Raiders wide receiver did not fail a drug test or miss a test. Bryant has missed 20 games due to failed drug tests and another violation of the league’s substance abuse policy could result in a lengthy ban. But, for now, it’s unclear as to whether Bryant has committed another infraction.
- The 49ers were among the teams on hand for Adonis Alexander‘s pro day at Virginia Tech, Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee writes. The Niners are hardly alone in that regard as 25 other teams were said to be on hand for the audition. Alexander has declared for the supplemental draft in July and appears to be a strong candidate to be selected.
- It’s possible that wide receiver Brice Butler won’t make the Cardinals‘ final cut.