There’s no hiding the fact that the Seattle Seahawks and Earl Thomas haven’t always been on the same page throughout the years, and now it seems like both sides won’t be making up anytime soon.
Seahawks general manager John Schneider was asked at the NFL Combine if he has had any contact with the soon to be 30-year-old safety. Schneider stated that he hasn’t any conversations with Thomas at all during this off-season.
Schneider also reconfirmed that he has a good relationship with Thomas’ agent. But, he spoke about how the former first-round pick is still expected to test the free agent market once he officially becomes a free agent on March 13.
Is the Earl Thomas Era in Seattle at an End?
Last season began with Thomas holding out in hopes of forcing Schneider’s hand for a new contract extension. Thomas sat out all four of his team’s preseason games, before returning for their season-opener against the Denver Broncos.
The Texas-native then went on to play in four games for this team. During that fourth game in Arizona, he sustained a broken leg while making a play in his own end zone. Thomas was then seen making a gesture to his teammates and coaching staff while he was being carted off the field.
That then further sparked the speculation that Thomas had played his last game for this Seahawks organization. In those four games, Thomas was able to produce 16 solo tackles and three interceptions that were returned for a total of 25 yards.
Replacing Thomas
The Seahawks are expected to have approximately $50 million in salary cap space this off-season. This means Schneider could choose to fill Thomas’ spot via free agency, or with one of the four draft picks that they currently hold.
Like we saw last season, the Seahawks also have some depth at the safety position that includes; Delano Hill, Tedric Thompson and Bradley McDougald. It shows that the Seahawks have multiple alternatives to Thomas. But, it also means that it’s very unlikely that we will see Thomas back with this team next season.
