Earl Thomas was not making friends in Baltimore camp, and got into a fight with the other starting safety, Chris Clark. And so, the Ravens cut him today. The language of the release: "We have terminated S Earl Thomas’ contract for personal conduct that has adversely affected the Baltimore Ravens." That suggests the Ravens will be filing a grievance and going after some of Thomas' guaranteed money. Thomas is now free to sign elsewhere and there are already rumors linking him to Dallas. The Ravens will replace Thomas in the starting lineup with 2018 sixth-rounder DeShon Elliott, though they can also use one of their cornerbacks (Jimmy Smith?) at free safety.
1 I'll be curious to see how…
I'll be curious to see how good Earl Thomas is at this stage of his career. He seems to have attitude problems, though I would love to see him in Indianapolis.
3 At least by success rate, he…
At least by success rate, he was the best safety in the league last year according to the Almanac.
4 Oh absolutely. If you are in…
Oh absolutely. If you are in win-now mode I don't know why you don't try to sign him. I think Seattle should definitely try to sign him
2 This could be important for projections
Cutting your starting S 3 weeks before week 1. 2nd most defensive snaps at a valuable position should hurt expectations. Chiefs are probably thrilled.
5 Yes, but...
What you say is true and the Ravens aren't stupid so I strongly suspect there is much more to this than just a single incident.
11 I still don't really get it…
I still don't really get it. He had a couple dust-ups with teammates and missed a few meetings - not great, obviously, but that doesn't seem to be the sort of stuff a future HoFer gets cut for. As Thomas himself noted in his statements, it's unusual that something like this gets leaked to the media - which suggests the team is using the incident as "political" cover to justify a decision they had already made.
I suppose the simplest explanation is that he's declined to the point that he's just not worth the headaches anymore, although I thought he played well last year? Otherwise, it definitely seems like there's something odd going on behind the scenes.
7 Belichick Welcomes You, Mr. Thomas
Sounds like the perfect candidate for a one-year 'prove it' deal at the NFL's Island of Misfit Toys. That secondary would be ridiculous with Thomas on board.
8 A "prove it" deal so he can…
A "prove it" deal so he can get a 'real' big contract, you mean?
The guy is a 10 year vet and on the wrong side of 30.
9 Fits the cheap, aged veteran…
Fits the cheap, aged veteran with a chance to win model that has been previously successful for Pats.
If nothing else, I can imagine BB signing him to get info on the Ravens and even the Seahawks
10 With Chung having opted out…
With Chung having opted out of the season, and New England flush with cap space, I don't see any way the Patriots haven't reached out to see if they could work out a deal. Especially since Baltimore is already on the hook for 10 million, minus the new contract (pending arbitration).
12 Well, this might be a reason not to sign Thomas...
https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/nfl/seattle-seahawks/article242559936.html
15 Looks like San Diego is in…
Looks like San Diego is in the market for a safety now
16 Poor Derwin. From an All-Pro…
Poor Derwin. From an All-Pro, Pro-Bowl rookie season, starting in all 16 games, to playing just 5 games in years 2 and 3 combined. Brutal. Alas, health is a skill, no?
17 His career is playing out…
His career is playing out like Jason verrett, another former Chargers first round pick
18 Speak of the Devil... Good…
Speak of the Devil... Good Lord!
https://www.google.com/amp/s/profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/09/03/jason-verrett-suffers-hamstring-injury-at-49ers-camp/amp/
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18 comments, Last at 04 Sep 2020, 8:51pm