Cowboys "Leading Contenders" To Get Earl Thomas, But Should They?

Should Cowboys Pursue Earl Thomas Even Without a Hometown Discount? — Sep 23, 2018; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive back Earl Thomas (29) takes a bow for fans as he celebrates after intercepting a pass during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks won 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

So you thought we would get to the regular season before discussing Earl Thomas again? The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly moving on from Thomas, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The star safety has had issues with teammates this training camp, to the point in which he was sent home on Friday after fighting with teammate Chuck Clark on practice.

Adam Schefter

@AdamSchefter

Ravens are moving on from Pro Bowl S Earl Thomas today, sources tell ESPN. They either will release him for conduct detrimental to the team – punching S Chuck Clark – or trade him. Dallas is the leading contender if he’s released, per sources. But his time in Baltimore is over. pic.twitter.com/eJeTuHD1mI

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August 23, 2020

According to CBS reporter Jason La Canfora, the Ravens’ leadership council told team decision-makers that they would actually prefer not having Earl Thomas on the team due to the situation and his conduct.

Some conflicting reports about the Dallas Cowboys’ interest in Thomas have emerged in the last few hours. While NFL Network’s Jane Slater reported on Saturday that the team hadn’t even discussed it.

But now, Adam Schefter is reporting the Cowboys are the “leading contenders” to go after him.

What sounds the most logical, is what Ian Rapoport is reporting on NFL Network. The trusted reporter is clarifying that the Dallas Cowboys are interested in targeting Thomas if he’s released, but not if they have to give something in return via trade.

Ian Rapoport

@RapSheet

From Inside Training Camp Live: A firm decision on S Earl Thomas is coming, and a release is likely, sources say. The #Cowboys aren't expected to trade for him, given the money. But when he's released? Expect real interest from Dallas. pic.twitter.com/aj9NcN5s3S

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August 23, 2020

Regardless, it seems like the Cowboys-Thomas question isn’t the same as it was an offseason ago. Before, we were asking ourselves “is this really possible?” Now, after two teams have moved on from him in bad terms, the question seems to be “should they really get him?”

It’s not easy to be convinced about a player who’s had issues with his last two teams, but we know Thomas’ talent is special. We’ve seen players who leave teams on bad terms before shining on another one.

The Dallas Cowboys do not have a good situation at safety. Ha Ha Clinton-Dix is not the answer at the position and while there are some exciting young players like Xavier Woods, Darian Thompson, and Donovan Wilson, the truth is they’re going to have issues this season.

Not to mention, the cornerback room is also filled with question marks. How good will Trevon Diggs be as a rookie and how fast will he develop? Is Jourdan Lewis not as good as we hoped or were his talents wasted by the old coaching staff? How will Chidobe Awuzie fare in a contract year?

There’s not a weaker unit on the team other than the defensive backfield. The Cowboys are serious Super Bowl contenders. As such, it wouldn’t be the craziest thing in the world to go after Earl Thomas and get an All-Pro caliber player before the 2020 season.

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Mauricio Rodriguez

I love to write, I love football and I love the Dallas Cowboys. I've been rooting for America's team all the way from Mexico ever since I can remember. If you want to talk football, I'm in... You'll find me at @MauNFL.

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44 Comments

Gary b 5 years ago

If Thomas signs on for one yr McCarthy might agree to that. If he signs for longer than that, then Jerry J imposed himself and went back to the dark side. But the more rumblings I hear out of the Ravens (like how all the players hated Thomas) and McCarthy talking about "locker room chemistry" leads me to believe they take a pass on Thomas. But what do I know.
Gary b 5 years ago

Our Leadership compares to 90s cowboys? That team had some very very strong personalities and veteran leadership, in addition to J Johnson who was no shrinking violet. Not sure who our strong leaders are per se. But who knows what went on behind the scenes there. I think Haley was bipolar but he helped the cowboys win two SBs and JJ was known to give his stars alot slack. Remember Irvin and the white house?
Mike Del Grosso 5 years ago

Back in the 90's, when our Cowboys were winning Super Bowls, there was a STUD and PRO BOWLER safety named DARREN WOODSON. Nobody even close to his skills and talent on this current roster. No brainer! Of course, you bring aboard Earl Thomas if you are serious about winning the Super Bowl.
gary b 5 years ago

If he signs with us, doubt it's because McCarthy wanted him...just my opinion. We already have A Smith who has a long rap sheet, Gregory who has been suspended several times, Elliott has been suspended and Trysten Hill who has had issues dating back to college. Can we stand to bring another into the locker room? This isn't the 90s Cowboys who were a strong/tough veteran laden team that could absorb Charles Haley and his issues. This team is trending up in my opinion, and I wanna make sure it stays that way.
1. GhostProtocol 5 years ago
  
  This team is eerily similar to those teams in terms of age and leadership (though not in the defensive side so much). But Haley was in Johnson’s hands and it didn’t matter what the team makeup was. If Jimmy wasn’t going to be able to make it work, he would recognize it and would have done something. Not sure McCarthy wields that power now, but I’m not concerned about Thomas infecting this team culture. If he doesn’t come in and get on board, he’ll just get cut again. It would be a mistake on Thomas part to come in here and think he’s the Alpha ...
Gary b 5 years ago

Some people are just assuming he is coming to the cowboys. He's a FA and will have other suitors throwing money at him. And players usually chase the money. I would not get into any kind of bidding war for him at all, nor would i sign him long term. How the cowboys play this could be very telling. In the past Jerry hasn't been able to resist the risky but "shiny" new player. However lately cowboys have assumed a more intelligent /thoughtful approach. Let's see which wins out in this case.
1. GhostProtocol 5 years ago
  
  As for Jerry, this better be a call made by McCarthy! If McCarthy wants him, I'm okay with it ... but if Jerry forces Thomas onto the roster against an opposing McCarthy ... well, don't get me started!
Todd Harris 5 years ago

I say sign him to a 1-2 yr team friendly deal. If he don’t want to, then don’t sign him. If he does, make him understand that he needs to outplay all the current safeties already on the team. His past accomplishments mean nothing today. If he beats them out, then it’s a win for the Cowboys. If he doesn’t, cut him and let him go
Rick Hayes 5 years ago

Earl is the talent the Cowboys need even for the young talent at the position. This guy is a game changer we need in our backfield in Dallas. He left Seattle over money... Come to Dallas Earl!
Dexter Redd 5 years ago

Go get Earl Thomas he is a playmaker and top dog safety in the NFL. Let go Cowboys Superbowl bound let go!!!!!!
gary b 5 years ago

Think u guys trying to conveniently "explain" away his character issues are looking at it as a win at all cost situation. The Cowboys have been moving away from that philosophy, with good results recently and need to stick with that approach. Part of our past stumbles were Jerry impulsively bringing in guys for the wrong reasons, hoping he could "reform" them and the talent would fix everything. I disagree that the cowboys have enuf alpha dogs to keep him in check. This is a relatively young team that is beginning to assume a solid identity. Not sure we have the guys that could check him if he comes in acting like a punk. That crap worked in Seattle cuz Carroll ran a really loose ship, but we ain't about that here. I don't want him polluting this team/culture we are trying to build here in cowboy land, especially for 3 yrs. The Ravens let a so called talent like that go with NO compensation AND ate 15 Mil in cap space and he was voted out by his teammates....and that's the type of player we want? If he wants to be a cowboy so bad. let him sign for a "prove it" year then go from there!
1. Bill 5 years ago
  
  I think most the folks who are saying DAL should sign him are saying just that ... a one year deal. Then re-assess. Many feel this is a Super Bowl or bust kind of year because lots of folks think Dak either sucks, or he may be gone. So many players on 1-year deals, etc. and if all those players play well and we win it all, most of them will want their $$$ and be gone (Prescott, Griffen, Clinton-Dix, Aldon, Awuzie, Lewis, Poe, Woods, Looney, and now even Thomas?). I don’t think I want him signed, but if you told me today that the Jones’s don’t intend to keep these other guys around, then I might be inclined to say “go for it”?
DeBo 5 years ago

They have already dropped the ball with not signing Dak 2 yrs ago..now we have a chance at Earl again..We don't know the particulars of what happened with that fight in practice at Bmore but we fo know we can surely use him.Jerry sign him to 1 year show us deal and evaluate him accordingly from there...don't drop the ball again.
William 5 years ago

I say get him superbowl
Chad 5 years ago

Take a flier on him, don't think he'll hurt us at all.. I think he can help us get back to the NFC Title game
Gary b 5 years ago

The thing is he'll probably want at least a 3 yr deal. With his age/injury history/baggage, I would be really hesitant to even give him 2 yrs and unless he gives the cowboys a REAL sweetheart deal, wouldn't sign him at all. There's a reason why the Ravens were willing to cut him and absorb a 15 mil cap hit. By the way reports are that he was basically voted off by the players themselves...what doe's that tell u? Do we want that around our team?
Hank Larison 5 years ago

He’s not a problem child. He left the Seahawks because they wouldnt pay him then flipped the coaches off on National TV after he was seriously injured. Can’t blame a guy for that. One fight w another player is going to happen as well. If the Ravens are letting him go because of that they are idiots. This guy is a stud and and wants to be in Dallas. Pull the trigger and sign him!
GhostProtocol 5 years ago

Not certain I know what the Cowboys “should” do regarding signing Thomas, but I would suggest that if they do sign him, then despite everything they’ve said to date, they don’t like their current safeties. Why get this guy when 3 of your 4 safeties are already on one year deals? Add another to the mix, and whoever they cut will be whoever they never trusted to develop. If you elect to sign Thomas, you do so with every intention that he starts. So now he’s blocking somebody’s development. I just hope it isn’t Wilson.
Justin 5 years ago

I dont see any problem with signing Thomas to a 1 year prove it deal. If he acts out again then you just release him. But if he plays up even close to the level in Seattle then its a huge reward for us
1. M Miller 5 years ago
  
  Exactly. Simple, to the point. Contractual language to protect the team, and “Voila”, another piece to complete the puzzle.
Pokesfan4life 5 years ago

One has to wonder,did he do whatever it took to get to the point where he can sign at will with his favorite team?
Tommy Davis 5 years ago

Earl Thomas is 31 years old, has definitely lost a step, he's too slow to effectively play the center field position in the secondary, is questionable as to whether he can play strong safety and has a terrible attitude which the Cowboys don't need. Earl Thomas is not the same player as the Earl Thomas of yesteryear which also is a reason his past 2 teams cut him. The current crop of safeties the Cowboys have are pretty darn good, Woods, Dix, Worley, and Donavan Wilson who is going to be special.
mikeyt7777 5 years ago

Lest we forget, the "bad terms" he parted ways with Seattle involved problems with money, not problems in the locker room. We can probably look at his issues with the Ravens as an aberration. The Cowboys have enough alpha dogs in the locker room to keep him in check (hopefully). Let's do it!
mikeyt7777 5 years ago

High risk, high reward. I say let's roll the dice and do it.