Trade rumors immediately began to swirl shortly after Baltimore Ravens free safety Earl Thomas figured in a heated exchange with strong safety Chuck Clark during the team's practice. The Dallas Cowboys was also deemed as a strong contender to win the potential Thomas sweepstakes. However, a trade will no longer be imminent as the team has decided to release the seven-time Pro Bowler instead.
The Baltimore Ravens has already issued a Twitter post regarding their decision on Thomas:
We have terminated S Earl Thomas’ contract for personal conduct that has adversely affected the Baltimore Ravens.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 23, 2020
NFL insider Ian Rapoport also reported the developments on Twitter:
Source: The #Ravens are now releasing star S Earl Thomas. After just one season and $22M, they are moving on following a practice altercation with a teammate.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 23, 2020
After a disappointing 2018 campaign with the Seattle Seahawks, Thomas went to the Ravens and recorded 32 tackles, 2.0 sacks, and 1 forced fumble through 15 games played last season. His performance was still enough to land him his seventh Pro Bowl appearance in 2019.
Chemistry issues were recently formed with his Ravens teammates and several of the players were reportedly disenchanted with him. The Ravens decided to cut ties with the veteran to avoid any further complications with the rest of the team.
A big 2020 season is expected from the Baltimore-based squad especially after a disappointing early exit in the 2019 NFL Playoffs. With most of last season's Ravens players returning along with the 2019 NFL MVP Lamar Jackson back at the helm, the team is raring to make a deeper run this time around. Those aspirations will have to push through even with the veteran Thomas now out of the picture.
The former Texas Longhorn still has three years left in his contract with a $10 million guaranteed salary next season. He may already be years removed from his prime but he remains to be a serviceable defensive player for any team that will sign him.
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