Where Will Safety Earl Thomas End Up?

by
Former Writers
September 28, 2018

Wiliam Crudup via Flickr

There have been rumors that Seattle wants to trade away their top safety Earl Thomas. The Seattle Seahawks basically traded away their whole team in the offseason team except QB Russell Wilson, to try and rebuild their whole team. Seattle hasn’t come out and said that they are officially trading Thomas yet. Most people say that it would be a mistake if the Seahawks traded the safety away.

Thomas had two interceptions and seven tackles in the win against Dallas last Sunday. He admitted that he hears about the trade rumors himself.

“A couple of Cowboys coaches came up to me, I don’t know if they were playing psychological games, but they were like, you ready for the trade tomorrow?”

Since the game was last Sunday, the trade was obviously just a joke. But it could be a glimpse into the future. Thomas held out all through offseason and training camp. But it didn’t result in any contract extension. Thomas’ current contract is set to expire after the 2018-19 season.

Possible Landing Spots For Earl Thomas

Dallas Cowboys

ESPN’s Adam Scheffer reported that the Cowboys offered Seattle a second-round pick for the six-time Pro Bowler but turned it down. They want more in exchange for this top safety. If owner Jerry Jones is determined enough he will come out with a deal Seattle couldn’t possibly turn down.

In the offseason, Dallas came away with cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis and Marquez White. As well as safety Xavier Woods. Adding a top safety like Earl Thomas to this mix plus their 2017 first-round pass rusher Taco Charlton, who inherently plays a position that boots the secondary, the Cowboys could end up very dangerous.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers are in hot pursuit in trades of Le’Veon Bell since he has no longer been showing up to practices. They announced that they were open to trades four days ago. Both Bell and Thomas are highly talented and deserve to be paid. Seattle could easily send Thomas, and a third-round pick to Pittsburgh while Bell gets sent straight to Seattle.

Since the Steelers heavily favor a nickel defense, Thomas would fit in perfectly, and they have the means to complete the trade. The Steelers are already a top team in the AFC and seem to be doing okay without Bell. Thomas will make Pittsburgh’s already top-ranked defense possibly unstoppable.

Green Bay Packers

The Packers just recently signed cornerback Bashaud Breeland to replace Davon House that is now on IR. Green Bay has always had a hard time on the defensive side of things. Their secondary is young and adding Thomas would help them out tremendously.

When the secondary decides to drop back into zone coverage, Thomas will be a big asset to deflect the long passes that top QBs will throw that inexperienced corners, and strong safeties might miss. The Packers have two first-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft meaning they have had plenty to offer if and when they get in contact with Seattle.

Conclusion

Not every team is in desperate need of this top safety. But the teams in the most need will be more willing to put up big numbers. Thomas wants money and Seattle wants compensation. The Seahawks are more willing to turn an offer down knowing they could have the chance to re-sign him next year.