The Dallas Cowboys have been connected to Earl Thomas ever since his after-game talk with head coach Jason Garrett during the 2017 season.
Those rumors have not gone away since. It’s clear enough there’s interest from the Cowboys end given how inconsistent their secondary has been. A leader and star like Thomas could be the missing piece to their puzzle. The biggest unknown in all of this is where the Seattle Seahawks stand on the situation. They have the most power to make or break this situation and they haven’t made their stance clear.
Well, that’s not entirely true. They have decided to not discuss any contract extension for Thomas at present. In response, the safety has chosen to hold out from any current and future team activities until a resolution is found. Whether that resolution is a new deal or a trade rests entirely on the Seahawks brass. He’s made it clear he’s open to either option.
GM John Schneider has already shown he’s not above unloading proven veteran as Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett proved. Is he willing to do the same with Thomas? Todd Archer of ESPN believes that will be the case.
Earl Thomas will be a Cowboy by the end of 2018 season
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The sticking point, as usual, is the price. Seattle may be trying to get a healthy return for Thomas. He’s an All-Pro after all and clearly still playing at a prime level. The problem is he’s entering his 30s and teams just don’t pay a premium in draft picks for older players. This means one of two things must happen. Either the Seahawks will have to lower their asking price or the Cowboys will have to be willing to pay it. Neither possibility seems imminent.
Yet that could change quickly as the trade deadline draws closer, especially if Thomas continues his holdout. The Seahawks will be pressured to find a resolution and Dallas could pounce when the price drops just enough. It’s a question of timing and good negotiating. Not to mention the hope another team doesn’t pounce on him first.