Vegas predicts where Earl Thomas plays next
Earl Thomas wants to get paid for being a premier safety, but the Seattle Seahawks' front office is balking. Youwager.eu has released lines as to where Thomas, who is in the final year of a five-year deal, could end up before Week 1. Here's a breakdown of the odds.
Where will Earl Thomas be Opening Day of the 2018 NFL season?
Seattle Seahawks: -900
Dallas Cowboys: +300
Another team or sits out: +500
The disgruntled final vestige of the Seahawks' legendary Legion of Boom corps is set to earn $8.5 million in 2018 but is demanding a long-term deal that pays him more. In a not-so-subtle plea, Thomas, a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan, reached out to coach Jason Garrett last December to say, "If y'all have the chance, come get me."
At 29, Thomas is still in the prime of his career. He has snagged 25 interceptions and has missed only seven games during his eight-year NFL career. While Thomas is clearly the linchpin of Seattle's defense with the departures of Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett and Kam Chancellor's retirement, the Seahawks could try to find an immediate trade partner.
Last season, Seattle allowed a middle-of-the-pack 20.8 points per game; in 2015, that total was 17.3; and in 2013, it was a league-best 14.4. Thomas can't be the sole star on defense. The Seahawks will need to upgrade quickly as the ascendant Rams and 49ers vie for NFC West supremacy. To win any bet that has Thomas sticking with Seattle, you would need to wager $900 for a $100 profit. Seven weeks before Opening Day, it's doubtful any move will be made.
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Dallas is an intriguing potential destination for two reasons. Thomas played college ball at the University of Texas in Austin and hails from eastern Texas. The Cowboys' current starters in the secondary are strong safety Jeff Heath and free safety Xavier Woods, who is signed through 2020. Woods' 2017 rookie season had its share of ups and downs. He picked off one pass and made 42 tackles. He's slated to earn $555,000 in 2018 -- a fraction of what Thomas is in line to make. Dallas' two starting corners are Byron Jones and Chidobe Awuzie. Both are under 26 and aren't standout stars yet. With the Philadelphia Eagles seemingly improving their roster in the offseason, expect Dallas to counter with big free agency moves in 2019 but could aggressively court Thomas now. Landing the six-time Pro Bowler would be a big first step. I'd prefer 10/1 odds or greater as 3/1 doesn't offer much value.
One potential destination Thomas would have been a good fit before this offseason was Houston, but the Texans shored up their secondary by signing Tyrann Mathieu. Another secondary in need of help is the New York Giants' but cornerbacks are a more pressing concern than safety. Former first-round pick Eli Apple has disappointed and the jury is still out on Janoris Jenkins. Strong safety Landon Collins is New York's defensive star and there's no guarantee free safety Darian Thompson starts Week 1. There are few teams who wouldn't benefit from Thomas roaming their secondaries. I expect a dark horse like Cincinnati, San Francisco, Tampa Bay or Jacksonville to make an immediate play for him. There's plenty of value on the field at 5/1. Jump on it now before more obvious buyers enter the bidding fray.
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