If you’re like me, you would have never thought the Dallas Cowboys would ever be linked to Safety Earl Thomas ever again once he left the league in 2019.
I mean right?
Well, on Friday afternoon ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter decided he wanted to surprise the NFL world and tweet out that former Baltimore Ravens Safety Earl Thomas is eyeing an NFL return.
And of course, the first team that was thrown out by fans as a possible landing spot for Thomas was the Cowboys.
Former seven-time Pro-Bowl safety Earl Thomas, who last played for Baltimore in 2019 and who turns 33 in May, said today that he wants to resume his NFL career this season. “I’m ready,” Thomas texted. “I’m in shape. My timing is on point – I’m proud of that.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 22, 2022
While I admit four years ago, I was on the bandwagon for the front office to orchestrate a trade for the former All-Pro Safety, I’m skeptical about what he could bring the Cowboys.
First, you would be going after a player who has been out of the league for three years, and despite him claiming he’s in shape, there is no guarantee that he’s in-game shape.
Second, you re-signed Malik Hooker and Jayron Kearse, so where would Thomas fit?
As you could argue that there is no other proven depth behind those two (with the exception of Donovan Wilson), there are better options you can find in free agency or in this year’s draft. I admit that on paper Thomas has a better resume than those three combined, but taking a risk on a player that hasn’t seen some snaps in a while is bad business.
While he did manage to post a 76.7 PFF grade and finish with 49 tackles, 2 interceptions, and 1 FF (Forced Fumble) in his last season in the league, you can find similar or better stats with a free agent like Tyrann Mathieu or a young prospect.
If the franchise does go after him, I think the only acceptable way would be putting him on a “prove-it” deal. Additionally, my only hope is that if the franchise does pursue Thomas is that they get it done this time around, because I don’t know about you, but I can’t handle fans’ infatuation over Mr. Thomas anymore.
