The Dallas Cowboys could benefit from the release of Earl Thomas. But should they ‘get’ him?
The words “come get me” probably sound everywhere on Sunday in the ears of Dallas Cowboys fans. That follows the news that All-Pro security Earl Thomas is back on the open market.
After an altercation with a teammate on Friday, the Baltimore Ravens decided to release Thomas after one season. As a result, the organization expected to go to his salary of $ 10 million for 2020.
A former selection of the first round by the Seattle Seahawks back in 2010, Thomas is a seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time All Pro, and a Super Bowl champion. As a free agent in 2019, he signed a massive four-year, $ 55 million contract with the Ravens.
Thomas recorded 49 tackles, six quarterback hits, 2.0 sacks, four pass deflections, and two interceptions as a 15-game starter for Baltimore in 2019. During the Ravens’ playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans, Thomas led the defense with seven total tackles and one sec.
Now on the open market, the Cowboys would apparently be the perfect landing spot for Thomas. Both sides have previously expressed interest (see reported trade offer back in 2018) and Dallas still has a need for a defensive playmaker in their secondary. Especially considered because they lost two starters this season to Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Jones and safety Jeff Heath.
However, Thomas comes with some luggage to consider. Of course, it has been reported punching of a teammate in Baltimore on Friday, leading up to his dismissal from the team.
But that was not the first time Thomas had a reported affair with a Raven team-mate, as a heated exchange between himself and nose pack Brandon Williams after a loss last season forced others to step in before it became physical between the two.
Thomas also had a bizarre incident in which his wife reported in May that claimed veteran safety was actually threatened at gunpoint.
Despite these concerns, the Cowboys should jump at the chance to sign 31-year-old Thomas if possible. Dallas has had more than its fair share of off-the-field problems to treat as the most popular team in the league. And they are tough to handle in most situations.
A Texas resident, Thomas has not made any bones about his love for his children’s team. However, he also made it clear by signing with the Ravens last season that he is conveniently paid for his services. And money will probably be the biggest obstacle for a potential union.
As for the current depths of the Cowboys in safety, Xavier Woods and newly signed free agent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix figure to start in the secondary on the position. The Cowboys also have sapphires Darian Thompson and Donovan Wilson on the roster.
New head coach Mike McCarthy has also flooded the idea of transitioning one or more of the cornerbacks to the safety position. The most likely candidates are apparently Chidobe Awuzie and Daryl Worley.
If the Dallas Cowboys were even considering a position change, you would have to believe that they would be very open to signing a potential free agent upgrade at the security position. And it now appears that the Cowboys will get a second crack at “getting” Earl Thomas.
