The Baltimore Ravens cleaned their hands of Earl Thomas today, launching the seven-time Pro Bowl security after his recent training school fight capped a year of intermittent on- and off-field misbehavior with the team. Thomas old coach, Pete Carroll, feels sorry for the veteran, suggesting the longtime Seattle Seahawks star should remain in a “bad state” to be sent house from camp, and its not as if the safetys 2019 efficiency on the field was remarkable, either. This is still a possible future Hall of Famer were speaking about, though, and now that Thomas is formally a complimentary agent, he figures to have himself a market.
Where, exactly, could the All-Pro defensive back end up? Heres a take a look at the eight most rational landing spots:
If theres one area the Colts could stand to improve, its the secondary, where Malik Hooker, Khari Willis and Tavon Wilson all bring their fair share of enigma at safety. And they certainly require a few of those concerns answered considering their cornerback circumstance. Indy remains in it to win it after banking on Philip Rivers in the short term, and Chris Ballard isnt scared to add big names to the defense.
Contrary to reports by NFL Network, group owner Jerry Jones has left the door broad open for Thomas to get his longstanding dream of playing for the Cowboys, assuring press reporters Dallas is still evaluating its security scenario. New coach Mike McCarthy is likewise a noted pal of Seahawks general supervisor John Schneider, who can vouch for Thomas long stretch of stardom.
Atlanta has a huge one: Coach Dan Quinn was Thomas defensive coordinator from 2013-2014, and hes currently made it clear he likes Thomas, calling him one of his all-time favorite players. The holdup here is Atlanta doesnt seem in a rush to shake up the security position.
The Chargers currently boast among the NFLs most accomplished secondaries, with Derwin James, Chris Harris, Casey Heyward and Desmond King among the top DBs. Nasir Adderley and Rayshawn Jenkins are likewise in line for huge functions. Defensive planner Gus Bradley likes him some Earl Thomas, serving as the vets DC in Seattle from 2010-2012, the “Legion of Boom” days, and the Chargers seem to be relying even more on their defensive leadership this year.
Thomas old coach, Pete Carroll, feels sorry for the veteran, indicating the longtime Seattle Seahawks star must be in a “bad state” to be sent out house from camp, and its not as if the securitys 2019 efficiency on the field was extraordinary, either. If one of Thomas leading objectives is returning to his house state of Texas, theres no factor Houston shouldnt be in the mix, even if reports suggest the club is not extremely interested. Protective organizer Gus Bradley enjoys him some Earl Thomas, serving as the vets DC in Seattle from 2010-2012, the “Legion of Boom” days, and the Chargers seem to be relying even more on their defensive leadership this year.
If the Patriots are dead serious about playing low-scoring, defensively tailored football in 2020, adding somebody with Thomas pedigree appears like a no-brainer, even if only for one year. Contrary to reports by NFL Network, team owner Jerry Jones has actually left the door large open for Thomas to get his longstanding dream of playing for the Cowboys, guaranteeing reporters Dallas is still examining its security scenario.
Thomas is known for his high football IQ. If the Patriots are dead major about playing low-scoring, defensively geared football in 2020, adding someone with Thomas pedigree seems like a no-brainer, even if just for one year. Thomas, on the other hand, would get to stick with a prominent franchise and get a crack at playing Baltimore in 2020.
If one of Thomas top goals is going back to his house state of Texas, theres no factor Houston should not remain in the mix, even if reports recommend the club is not overly interested. Dallas undoubtedly has the Americas Team appeal, but it feels like weve been awaiting the other shoe to drop at safety for the Texans ever since the group cut Tashaun Gipson one year into a big offer. Deshaun Watson apparently urged coach Bill OBrien to consider Thomas in 2019, and while those talks never emerged into an offer, Houston might once again use a quality starter opposite Justin Reid.
The Niners dont necessarily require a starting safety, but if theyre severe about getting back to the Super Bowl, the fit appears apparent. Thomas has chemistry with previous Seahawks corner Richard Sherman, San Francisco has had difficulty getting full, healthy seasons from Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt, and Thomas is versatile enough to function as a quasi-linebacker closer to the line.
This teams got cash to burn and, more significantly, a large hole at security. With flexible rookie Grant Delpit suffering a season-ending Achilles injury, the Browns are set to rely on Andrew Sendejo and Karl Joseph, 2 replacement-level veterinarians, as the beginners on the back end. Theyve sniffed around lots of big-name protectors this offseason. This one simply makes a lot of sense, with the added reward of Thomas bringing some inside information on an AFC North competitor.
