Seattle Seahawks: Determined Earl Thomas returning bittersweet

The Seattle Seahawks got probably the best news they’ve heard all year as Earl Thomas will end his holdout, and he appears ready and determined.

This offseason has seen the Seattle Seahawks secondary, previously aptly known as the Legion of Boom, become deconstructed. Richard Sherman is now with the San Francisco 49ers and Kam Chancellor looks as if his career may be over due to a neck injury. Then there was Earl Thomas, looking for an extension and holding out through the preseason. It appeared that a resolution — be it trade or a new deal — might not be reached.

For now, that remains the case. However, the Seahawks have to be celebrating because, in spite of that, they are getting the lone remaining member of the Legion of Boom back in the fold. On Wednesday, ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported that Thomas will report to Seattle to rejoin the team.

That in itself is obviously promising news for the Seahawks defense. However, things look aren’t all good considering what Thomas had to say himself. The free safety took to Instagram to vent a bit seemingly about the contract situation, but also to say that he’s determined to continue being one of the best (complete with a great line about Father Time):

On one hand, the Seahawks have to be pleased to have Thomas back in the fold. For a defense that has completely changed their look with a largely new secondary and the departures of guys like Michael Bennett, having Thomas as the general on the back end will be huge. More than his leadership, Thomas has continually been one of the best at his position when healthy.

While that’s all true and great for Seattle this season, Thomas’ talk about the “disrespect” could be a not-so-subtle message to the Seahawks: This may be his last season with the team.

When you break down everything that Thomas is saying, that appears to be the writing on the wall. Yes, he’s returning and he’s going to play in the 2018 season. Having said that, he clearly feels slighted with concerns about his age regarding a new contract. And, given that his deal is up after this year, that means he’ll enter unrestricted free agency with the freedom to get his payday. Meanwhile, the Seahawks will get no compensation (aside from a 2020 compensatory draft pick) in return.

Ultimately, this is a classic case of good news being followed immediately by that of the bad variety. Thomas is in Seattle and their defense will be better off for it in 2018. However, the safety’s time with the Seahawks appears to be up after this season.