2018 NFL Trade Machine: Earl Thomas to the Chargers
By Erik Lambert
One of the most active names in the 2018 NFL trade machine has to be Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas. By now his status is fairly well known.
The Pro Bowler will be a free agent in 2019. At that point, he will be approaching his 30th birthday. There’s no denying that he remains one of the best safeties in football. His 88 tackles, two interceptions, one forced fumble and a defensive touchdown last year prove he’s still capable of being that great playmaker he’s been for several years. The problem for Seattle is he knows that and expects to be compensated as such.
As anybody knows, NFL teams have a serious problem paying big money to older players. Even productive ones like Thomas. It’s because there isn’t a way to predict when they will fall off that proverbial cliff, losing that edge. Some can go on for several years. Others last maybe another season or two and then vanish without a trace. Teams prefer to invest their money in younger, more assured talent with longevity in their corner.
Thus the standoff between Thomas and Seattle continues, and the trade rumors intensify.
Los Angeles Chargers could be the prime solution for both sides
Thus far the two primary teams involved in the speculation are the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots. The Cowboys because Thomas seemed quite interested in joining them based on his highly-public visit with their head coach Jason Garrett after a game last year. The other because the Patriots have a long history of taking in older defensive backs and squeezing several good years out of them. However, one team that makes sense for both is elsewhere.
The Los Angeles Chargers just drafted a safety in the 1st round in Derwin James but his skill set doesn’t match what Thomas does. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who helped develop Thomas in Seattle, will see the rookie as more of a Kam Chancellor-type. That means the Chargers still need a free safety who can play the deep coverage role and direct the action. Thomas makes perfect sense. He knows the scheme already and is among the best at that job.
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Seattle would also love this idea mostly because it puts Thomas out of the NFC and on a team that they’re unlikely to meet in the Super Bowl or playoffs. It’s a favorable deal for both sides provided the Chargers are willing to make an aggressive offer. As always, it’s less about destination and more about compensation.