Earl Thomas has been one of the most talked about players in the NFL over the last week. Following the Seattle Seahawks' star safety's season-ending broken leg, the drama of the way Thomas and the Seahawks argued back-and-forth during the offseason about his contract has come to the front of the news.
As Clutch Points previously noted, Thomas flipped off the Seahawks' sideline while he was being carted off following the injury. That middle finger was meant for the entire organization in Seattle for the way they have treated him over the last year.
During the offseason, Thomas requested that the Seahawks either give him a new contract or trade him. Rumors surrounded him all offseason, but when everything was said and done the Seahawks decided to do neither. Instead of holding out, Thomas chose to honor his contract, and this injury is the result.
Things between Thomas and the Seahawks are not going to be repaired. His future in the NFL likely no longer includes the Seahawks.
According to a report from Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Seahawks are not currently expected to use their franchise tag on Thomas this offseason.
Article Continues BelowIt also appears as though Thomas' time with the Seahawks is over. They won't have to decide until after this season, but the Seahawks are not expected to use their franchise tag on Thomas this winter, allowing him to leave Seattle, league sources told ESPN.
Unfortunately for Thomas, while he will be getting what he desired by leaving Seattle, he is going to have a hard time getting the contract he deserves. A broken leg with a rod being inserted in via surgery is going to scare some teams. Perhaps he could sign a one-year deal to prove that he is back at full strength and then look to cash in.
In the four games that Thomas did play this season, he showed why he is one of the top defensive stars in the NFL. He racked up 22 tackles to go along with three interceptions and five defended passes.
Hopefully, the Seahawks do show some respect for Thomas and let him walk without using their franchise tag. Thomas deserves a fresh start after all of this drama and Seattle could show some class by not standing in the way.