Earl Thomas released by Ravens: 4 NFL teams who should sign the safety
The Ravens released Earl Thomas on Sunday, making the safety a free agent.
Earl Thomas arrived in Baltimore via free agency last season and immediately showed that his 2018 injury hadn’t affected his play. The veteran safety earned a Pro Bowl nod as he notched two interceptions, four pass defenses, one forced fumble and 49 total tackles. And yet, he won’t see a second season with the Ravens.
Following an on-field altercation with fellow safety Chuck Clark in practice this weekend, the Ravens told Thomas to stay home and questions about his future with the team were raised.
Those questions were warranted as the team released Thomas on Sunday for conduct detrimental to the team.
We have terminated S Earl Thomas’ contract for personal conduct that has adversely affected the Baltimore Ravens.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 23, 2020
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There are financial implications with this type of release as the language indicates that the Ravens will file a grievance so as to not owe Thomas the entirety of his guaranteed money. But the more pressing issue for the rest of the NFL is that the 31-year-old three-time All-Pro safety is now a free agent. And he should be highly sought-after. So which teams should go after signing Earl Thomas? Let’s take a look.
Four best Earl Thomas landing spots after his release from the Ravens
4. Houston Texans
Justin Reid, a 2018 third-round pick by Houston, has already proven to be a steal at safety for the Texans. Having said that, they are slated to start veteran Eric Murray opposite him at the position in 2020, which inspires a lot less confidence. That’s why it’s not surprising that the Texans have interest in Thomas now that he’s available.
Head coach/general manager Bill O’Brien, for better or worse, has proven that he’s not averse to making risks. And as he’s dramatically reshaped the roster this offseason, perhaps a late move for Earl Thomas to pair him with Reid would be in his wheelhouse as well.
3. Miami Dolphins
You can rest assured that if there is a talented player on the open market, I’m going to suggest that the Miami Dolphins look into him. That doesn’t change with Thomas.
Miami invested heavily in veterans during free agency this offseason to reshape what was an awful defense. The rebuild isn’t complete but the Dolphins should be notably improved on that side of the ball. Thomas would be another piece to help with that and help Miami potentially push in the open AFC East. The only possible issue would be if they felt that Thomas would disrupt head coach Brian Flores establishing a culture in Miami.
2. San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Shanahan and the 49ers offense were fun to watch last season. However, anyone with eyes saw that the San Francisco defense was the driving force behind the team’s run to the Super Bowl a year ago. And that defense could somehow be made even better by reuniting Thomas with his former Seattle teammate, Richard Sherman.
Though San Francisco isn’t necessarily hurting at safety, it’s arguably the weakest position on the defense. Adding a versatile and talented veteran like Thomas to an already established system could be huge in that respect. If they can make the money work, the Niners defense would be downright terrifying with Earl Thomas in the fold.
1. Dallas Cowboys
It was the worst-kept secret in the NFL last offseason when Earl Thomas hit free agency. And though the team signed Ha Ha Clinton-Dix this offseason, the former Seahawks and Raven is the superior player. Even better, Dallas has the financial flexibility at this point in the offseason, even after signing Everson Griffen, to make a deal work.
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There is little to no concern about the Cowboys offense this season but some have raised issues with the defense. Even with the Gerald McCoy injury, though, this unit has a ton of potential still. And if they can get Thomas happy and in the building, the veteran safety could be a huge stabilizing force to help push Dallas into Super Bowl contention. Plus, Jerry Jones would finally get his guy.