Earl Thomas - Pro Football Rumors

Seahawks Open To Earl Thomas Trade

March 26th, 2018 at 10:03pm CST by Zachary Links

It’s not necessarily likely to happen, but Seahawks GM John Schneider is not ruling out a trade of safety Earl Thomas. On Monday, Schneider indicated that the phone lines are open in Seattle, meaning that no one is off limits.

“Earl’s under contract for another season, and if we’re not listening to everybody we are not doing a very good job. So we have to listen to everything that’s going on all the time,” Schneider said (Twitter link via Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times).

Thomas says that he wants to stay in Seattle, but the six-time Pro Bowler is entering the final year of his four-year $40MM deal and the Seahawks could garner tons of draft capital by trading him. Reportedly, the Seahawks are seeking a first round pick and a third rounder for Thomas and they could potentially get even more than that.

The Cowboys are reportedly one of the teams that have shown interest in trading for Thomas, but you can expect a number of clubs to inquire on acquiring the elite safety.

Earl Thomas Affirms Committment To Seahawks

March 24th, 2018 at 12:33pm CST by Ryan Posner

Seahawks safety Earl Thomas clarified some comments made Friday on an Ireland radio show in which he said it’s a “guessing game” as to whether he would be back in Seattle in 2018.

In a lengthy Twitter post, Thomas firmly stated his intentions of remaining with the Seahawks for the foreseeable future.

“Hold on everyone. Let’s not get it confused. I want to be a Seahawk,” Thomas said. “I want my jersey retired in the ring of honor with the other greats that came before me. I love being in Seattle. The winning culture we established I want to be apart of it for life!!”

Thomas, 28, went on to note how his family has embedded itself and enjoys the Seattle community. He also didn’t want his comments regarding the ambiguous nature of his future to be confused with him not wanting to remain in Seattle, and rather it was just being honest and confident in himself to be successful wherever he lands.

While the six-time Pro Bowler said he wishes to remain in Seattle, it may not be up to him. The team has reportedly been shopping Thomas around in trade talks this offseason, with his contract set to expire after next season. The Cowboys were one of the team’s to reportedly have shown interest in trading for Thomas.

Even if Thomas were to return, the Seahawks secondary will have a different look next season with the departure of Richard Sherman to the 49ers. Seattle also cut Jeremy Lane and Byron Maxwell remains unsigned as an unrestricted free agent.

Extra Points: Thomas, Cowboys, Saints, Falcons, Mettenberger

March 23rd, 2018 at 9:40pm CST by Ryan Posner

While appearing on the Ireland sports talk show “Off The Ball” Seahawks safety Earl Thomas didn’t sound overly confident in his status with the Seahawks for the upcoming season.

“Hopefully I stay,” Thomas said on the talk show via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. “But right now nobody knows. It’s a guessing game. So we’ll see.”

Thomas, a three-time All-Pro and six-time Pro Bowler, is set to enter the final season of his four-year, $40MM deal with Seattle. The Seahawks have reportedly shopped Thomas around in trade talks, with the Cowboys believed to be one of the teams interested in trading for the Texas native.

“In my case, whether I’m in Seattle or anywhere else, I’m going to be rich and happy regardless,” Thomas continued.

The Seahawks are reportedly seeking first- and third-round picks for Thomas’ services. He didn’t miss a game through the first six years of his career but has missed seven games over the last two seasons due to various injuries. The Seahawks’ “Legion of Boom” has seen a shakeup this offseason, with the departure of Richard Sherman to the 49ers. Fellow cornerback Byron Maxwell is an unrestricted free agent this offseason as well.

Here’s more from around the NFL:

The Cowboys’ addition of Allen Hurns wasn’t meant to signal the end of the Dez Bryant era in Dallas, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter), but rather that Hurns will work as a complementary piece to Bryant. The Cowboys signed Bryant to a five-year, 70MM deal in 2015. Along with the two-year deal for Hurns, the Cowboys added wide receiver Deonte Thompson on a one-year contract earlier this week.
Saints owner Gayle Benson is set to assure her counterparts at next week’s owner’s meetings that she has no plans to sell the team and is confident in her staff following the death of her husband and longtime Saints owner, Tom Benson, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (on Twitter).
The Falcons do not have interest in signing free-agent defensive end Robert Ayers, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. The Falcons were reported to have interest in Ayers, along with the Saints and Panthers, before they signed re-signed defensive end Derrick Shelby.
While the Falcons are reportedly out on Ayers, they have not closed the book on signing free-agent linebacker Pernell McPhee, per Ledbetter. The Falcons, who visited with McPhee on Wednesday, have three linebackers on the roster now, with Deion Jones, De’Vondre Campbell and Duke Riley. McPhee has spent the last three seasons with the Bears and has tallied four sacks in each of the last two years.
Former Titans quarterback Zach Mettenberger has been added to the Spring League for its upcoming season, per Pro Football Talk (on Twitter).

Cowboys Interested In Earl Thomas

March 15th, 2018 at 6:04pm CST by Ben Levine

The Seahawks have at least one suitor for Earl Thomas. CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora tweets that the Cowboys are among the teams with interest in the veteran safety. Of course, the reporter adds that Dallas is “hardly alone” in their pursuit.

It sounds like the Cowboys would be the safety’s preferred landing spot. He connected himself to Dallas following a Seahawks’ win over Dallas, telling Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett to “come get me.” Thomas was also born in Orange, Texas and played at the University of Texas. Back in January, Thomas had threatened a holdout after pushing for a longterm deal. The safety signed a four-year $40 MM deal in 2014, which is set to expire after the 2018 season.

We learned earlier today that the Seahawks were seeking a first-round pick and a third-round pick in exchange for Thomas. Thomas, who will turn 29 in May, has earned six Pro Bowl selections in his eight seasons with Seattle. The safety had another solid campaign in 2017, compiling 56 tackles and two interceptions in 14 games (14 starts).

Seahawks Discussing Earl Thomas Trade; Seeking 1st, 3rd Round Picks

March 15th, 2018 at 4:48pm CST by Zachary Links

The Seahawks are in discussions with several teams regarding safety Earl Thomas, according to CBSSports.com’s Jason La Canfora (on Twitter). They are seeking a first-round pick and a third-round pick in exchange for the three-time First Team All-Pro safety, but La Canfora says they may get even more for him in a trade.

We learned last night that the Seahawks had requested a first-round pick in exchange for the defensive back. The Seahawks have already made several changes to their secondary, including releasing both Richard Sherman and DeShawn Shead, and it sounds like moving on from their safety isn’t out of the picture. Thomas, who turns 29 in May, has earned six Pro Bowl selection in his eight seasons in Seattle, and has been a critical figure in the team’s “Legion of Boom” secondary.

The Seahawks are seemingly interested in moving on from Thomas, and the feeling is apparently mutual. He connected himself to the Cowboys after the Seahawks’ December win in Dallas, telling Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett to “come get me.” Thomas was born in Orange, Texas and played at the University of Texas before Seattle selected him with the No. 14 pick in 2010.

In January, Thomas threatened a holdout by saying he doesn’t envision himself rejoining Seattle without a longterm deal. The safety signed a four-year $40 MM deal in 2014, which is set to expire after the 2018 season. The safety had another productive campaign in 2017, compiling 56 tackles and two interceptions in 14 games (14 starts).

Seahawks Seeking First-Round Pick For Earl Thomas

March 14th, 2018 at 7:13pm CST by Micah Powell

If the Seahawks are to move three-time First Team All-Pro safety Earl Thomas, the team is expected to require a first-round pick in return, the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta tweets.

With all the moves the Seahawks have already made in their secondary — releasing both Richard Sherman and DeShawn Shead — moving on from the star safety isn’t out of the picture. Thomas, who turns 29 in May, has earned six Pro Bowl selection in his eight seasons, and has been a critical figure in Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” secondary.

Thomas also seemed pretty interested in leaving Seattle during the 2017 season. He connected himself to the Cowboys after the Seahawks’ December win in Dallas, telling Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett to “come get me.” Thomas was born in Orange, Texas and played at the University of Texas before Seattle selected him with the No. 14 pick in 2010.

In January, Thomas threatened a holdout by saying he doesn’t envision himself rejoining Seattle without a longterm deal. The safety signed a four-year $40 MM deal in 2014, which is set to expire after the 2018 season.

Latest On Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas

March 8th, 2018 at 8:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Seahawks could be ready to abandon a Richard Sherman trade attempt soon. Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times tweets Sherman is likely to be released Friday.

Sherman’s been a subject of departure rumors throughout the offseason, and this week has been wishing teammates farewell following a meeting with team brass. It’s been suggested Sherman could opt to return to Seattle at a lower price, but Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap noted that wouldn’t make much sense on a market that could see the high-profile cap casualty command $11MM per year.

If the Seahawks were to cut Sherman, they would save $11MM. The decorated corner will turn 30 later this month and is coming off a torn Achilles’ tendon, but he still figures to have a competitive market if he becomes available. He’d join the likes of Trumaine Johnson and Malcolm Butler as high-end free agent corners.

As for Earl Thomas, the Seahawks do not seem prepared to move on from him, after all.

Some trepidation about committing to another deal with the top-tier safety existed on the team’s part after Thomas’ comments about the Cowboys, but Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (video link) the team has since found out Thomas is committed to the team.

This comes after Thomas made multiple comments about a potential holdout. He’s entering the final year of his second Seahawks contract and after surmounting a broken leg would appear set to sign another top-market deal.

While Seattle would be willing to take “whatever it can get for” Sherman, it’s set a high price on Thomas. And Rapoport estimates the three-time All-Pro safety will be back in the Pacific Northwest next season and beyond.

Beyond would involve a high-end extension, which would be interesting given the purge that’s happening this week and the uncertain futures around some of the Seahawks’ other Super Bowl core members dealing with serious injuries. But Thomas will only be 29 in 2018 and would seemingly have plenty of quality seasons left.

Seahawks Set High Price For Earl Thomas

March 8th, 2018 at 3:46pm CST by Zachary Links

The Seahawks don’t view Earl Thomas as untouchable, but any team looking to acquire him will have to give up a lot of draft capital, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com hears (video link). Garafolo likens the Seahawks’ view on Thomas to the team’s stance on Richard Sherman trade talk in 2017. The team did not shoo away suitors, but instead asked for a first- and third-round pick for him. Ultimately, no one met that asking price.

The same can’t be said for Sherman in 2018. The Seahawks are willing to move the cornerback and, at this juncture, they’ll take “whatever they can get for him,” Garafolo hears. While Sherman still performed reasonably well in his injury-shortened season, teams are not eager to pick up his $11MM contract. If the Seahawks cannot find a suitable trade and Sherman does not agree to a pay cut, it seems likely that he’ll be released outright. Other teams are well aware of that and, therefore, are willing to wait things out and see if they can instead sign Sherman as a free agent. Sherman’s health status is also a barrier to a potential trade.

Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times first reported that the Seahawks are seeking a first-round pick in addition to a mid-round selection for Thomas. The safety is set to carry a $10.4MM charge this season and may look for a deal worth $13MM per year beyond his current contract.

Seahawks Don’t Plan To Trade Earl Thomas

March 5th, 2018 at 8:28pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Although trade rumblings have circled around Earl Thomas for the better part of two months, the Seahawks don’t intend to deal the veteran defensive back, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link). Seattle wants to reach a long-term contract with Thomas, whom the club considers “firmly” in their 2018 plans, per Rapoport.

The Seahawks have undergone a significant offseason makeover on the defensive side of the ball, changing out much of their staff and replacing former coordinator Kris Richard with Ken Norton Jr. Seattle is engaged in trade talks regarding defensive lineman Michael Bennett, while other tenured players such as Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Cliff Avril could also be moving on. Thomas, though, doesn’t appear to be in danger of being traded any time soon.

Thomas, for his part, has been vocal about his desire to sign an extension, either with the Seahawks or another club (Thomas has been linked to the Cowboys, largely due to his own comments). Entering the final season of his contract, Thomas has threatened to hold out if he doesn’t land a new deal. Thomas, whose $10MM annual salary ranks sixth among safeties, will collect an $8.5MM base salary in 2017.

While Thomas doesn’t appear to going anywhere, the Seahawks prefers to wrap up its Bennett trade talks in the next week or so, per Rapoport. As Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reported Sunday, the Falcons are discussing a deal for Bennett, and Rapoport indicates there are other (unknown) clubs that potentially have interest in acquiring the three-time Pro Bowler.

Extra Points: Bears, Fuller, Seahawks

March 5th, 2018 at 2:49pm CST by Zachary Links

No surprise here, but Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune hears that the Bears are unlikely to use the franchise tag on Kyle Fuller. Multiple sources tell Biggs that they do not expect the franchise tag to be employed, though he is less certain about whether the transition tag could be in play. It also seems unlikely that Fuller would sign a multi-year contract with the Bears before free agency opens, but there is interest on both sides in moving forward together.

Here’s more from around the NFL on a very busy Monday:

The Seahawks had open ears at the draft combine last week, sources tell Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports (on Twitter). Among those drawing interest include defensive tackle Michael Bennett and safety Earl Thomas, two players that have been the subject of trade speculation in recent weeks. Over the weekend, it was reported that the Falcons have discussed a Bennett deal with Seattle. Cornerback Richard Sherman, who has a $13.2MM cap charge in 2018, is also a trade candidate.
The Panthers, Jaguars, and Dolphins are heavily interested in free agent quarterback market, Ben Volin of The Boston Globe (on Twitter) hears. The Panthers obviously have a starter in Cam Newton, but they are seeking a quality backup because Newton tends to take a lot of hits. The Jaguars and Dolphins have starters in Blake Bortles and Ryan Tannehill, respectively, but both clubs want veteran backups that can push them. The Dolphins are also exploring the idea of drafting a QB at No. 11 overall.
Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson has been the subject of tremendous debate in football circles, particularly due to questions about his ability to play QB at the next level. He may have another problem. Jackson did not do well in interviews and white-board work at the combine, Volin hears (Twitter link) and his decision to go without an agent may be the culprit.
The Bills‘ one-year contract with cornerback Vontae Davis includes an unusual wrinkle, as noted by Volin (on Twitter). Davis is slated to receive a roster bonus of nearly $47K for each game he spends on the 46-man active roster. Meanwhile, he’ll receive a lesser bonus of almost $16K per game that he spends on the 53-man roster. It’s unique for a contract to have separate bonuses for appearing on the 53 and the 46 each week, but it’s a creative structure for Buffalo given Davis’ injury history. One has to wonder if other teams could follow a similar blueprint this offseason when signing veterans with health concerns.