Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas might have ended holdout prior to the start of the 2018 NFL season, but it’s clear that he wants no part of playing for his current organization.
The 29-year-old had been searching for a new contract as he is in the final season of a four-year, $40 million extension he signed in 2014. While Seattle refused to budge, Thomas went back to work, appearing in the Seahawks’ first two games of the season.
However, he is still taking a stand.
Jay Glazer on Fox Sports’ pregame show revealed that Thomas is “holding in,” meaning that he is sporadically practicing with the team, skipping two this week, while staying in team facilities.
However, he is still expected to play against the Dallas Cowboys during Sunday’s Week 3 action.
It’s a demonstration though that is grating on the Seahawks as ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports the team is “considering a significant fine,” and a trade is possible at some point this year.
Thomas is a three-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowler and has picked off 26 passes over his eight-plus seasons in the league, a resume that would get plenty of attention should it officially make its way on the trade market.
Here are two teams that could be in on Thomas:
Earl Thomas and the Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys were the first team to reach out to the Seahawks about Thomas, offering a second-round pick before the season began.
Seattle decided to pass on the offer, but it seems as though the Cowboys are still holding out the belief that they can land Thomas. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported on Sunday morning that there are members within the Cowboys organization that “hope to restart” negotiations with the Seahawks for Thomas.
Dallas’ defense has looked solid this season against the Carolina Panthers and New Yor Giants, but they don’t seem too confident about Xavier Woods and Jeff Heath holding down the safety position.
Earl Thomas and the Kansas City Chiefs
While the Cowboys were the only known suitor for Thomas, Mortensen revealed that the Chiefs “have emerged as a possible trade partner.”
Kansas City’s offense has stolen the headlines this season with the emergence of quarterback Patrick Mahomes alongside Tyreek Hill and Kareem Hunt.
However, the Chiefs defense has provided cause for concern as the secondary is the worst in the NFL, allowing 860 yards and six passing touchdowns through the air. Thomas provides a significant upgrade and could bolster Kansas City’s secondary.
