The Earl Thomas-to-Dallas Cowboys speculation has just not gone away all offseason. There’s been constant talk linking the star Seahawks safety to his hometown team. A recent report hinted that the deal is “still in play.” But apparently, that possibility might be a tad overblown, according to a Cowboys team official.

“It's a lot of media hype,” a Cowboys source told Calvin Watkins of The Athletic. “Seattle [is] not giving him away and we're not overpaying.”

Thomas has been involved in a public contract dispute with the Seahawks, who don’t appear too keen on extending him as he enters the final year of his deal. The disgruntled Seahawks safety recently sent out an ultimatum telling Seattle to extend him or trade him.

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But even with that very clear message, it doesn’t seem as if the Seahawks are willing to let him go at a price lower than what they’ve set. In turn, the Cowboys don’t intend to overpay, which is understandable.

The Seahawks could still lower their price later in the season instead of letting Thomas go for nothing. The Cowboys could also just wait until Thomas hits free agency, and they can sign him then without giving up any draft assets.

At this point, it’s looking more and more likely that the Seahawks won’t heed Thomas’ ultimatum and that the safety will have to start the season in Seattle. If that is indeed the case, then Thomas’ already fraught relationship with the team could get even more acrimonious in the coming weeks.