Earl

Thomas

Thomas’ arrest comes more than a week after a warrant was issued for his arrest following a violation of “a court protective order.” The former Seahawks and Ravens safety was reportedly spotted at a restaurant in his home town and arrested shortly after. He could face a third-degree felony charge for violating the protective order two or more times within the past year. A three-time All-Pro, Thomas was reportedly interested in returning to the league after sitting out each of the last two seasons.

Thomas “violated a court protective order” by sending messages to his wife. The ex-Ravens safety could face a third-degree felony charge for violating the order two or more times within 12 months. Out of the league since 2019, 32-year-old Thomas was rumored to be interested in returning to the NFL this offseason.

The mercurial Thomas last played for the Ravens in 2019, and was released by the team in August 2020 for conduct detrimental to the team. Thomas reportedly fought teammates in training camp and had a domestic incident with his wife. The Texans and Cowboys kicked the proverbial tires on Thomas in 2020 but passed on the veteran safety. Entering his age-33 season, Thomas -- a seven-time Pro Bowler for the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom secondary -- would likely have to take a one-year, prove-it deal if he wants to play in 2022.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero points out the cancellation comes after the league “told clubs to review procedures for bringing in new players.” Thomas had already taken his Texans physical. The workout should still follow sometime this week. The Texans have a Week 4 need at safety, so time is of the essence.

“After a lot of internal discussion, Texans decided Earl Thomas wasn’t a good fit,” John McClain reported. Thomas took his physical but never worked out for the Texans. It’s unclear if the medical review turned up an issue. The Texans were Thomas’ first real interest after he was cut by the Ravens in late August. His NFL future is uncertain following the murky circumstances of his Baltimore departure.

Adam Schefter adds that Thomas’ signing is “more likely than not.” It’s the first visit for Thomas since he was released by the Ravens in camp. Thomas was one of the league’s most impactful safeties last year, grading as No. 17 among 167 qualifiers at Pro Football Focus, but it speaks volumes that the Ravens were willing to take a $15 million cap hit in order to part with his off-field baggage. Houston has a need at the position after placing S A.J. Moore on injured reserve.

This comes a day after HC Mike McCarthy said he had “discussed” signing Thomas after he was released by Baltimore following a fight with a teammate. We expect other teams to pursue Thomas in the coming weeks.

Rapoport’s colleague, Jane Slater, who is very in tune with Dallas’ happenings suggested over the weekend that while the Cowboys may have interest in Thomas, they likely aren’t willing to commit the amount of money to him that he’d like. Thomas would likely have to take a pay cut to come to the Cowboys, but it may be something he’s interested in if he truly wants to be part of the team. Thomas, of course, infamously told the Cowboys to “come get” him when he was still in Seattle. He played his college ball at Texas.

Thomas’ $10 million in guaranteed money could be in jeopardy since the “default language negotiated in his contract is not expected to come into play as he did not default under terms of his individual player contract,” Schefter posted on Twitter. Things could get ugly between the Ravens and Thomas, even as other teams pursue the veteran safety after his release for punching teammate Chuck Clark. Schefter reports a resolution to the matter might not come until next offseason.

The release comes with a conduct detrimental to the team clause. The Ravens will take a $15 million cap hit to move on from Thomas. That could jump to $25 million if Thomas wins a grievance. Thomas remained one of the better safeties in the league last year, but his off-field baggage could limit his free-agent suitors. DeShon Elliott is expected to replace Thomas opposite Chuck Clark. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the Cowboys are the frontrunners to sign Thomas. Houston and the 49ers have also been linked as possible landing spots.