Seattle Seahawks should say “no” to Earl Thomas return.
Former Legion of Boom member Earl Thomas wants back in the NFL after a two-year absence. If he does return, it shouldn’t be as a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
Earlier this week, a familiar Seattle Seahawks face announced he is looking to get back in the league. After a two-year hiatus from the NFL, Earl Thomas III, soon to be 33, wants another chance to roam NFL fields.
The Seahawks should just say no to him returning to the place where he began his career. It’s not just for one (hold up middle finger) but many.
Age
First, Thomas turns 33 in two weeks, not exactly a young man, especially in football years. For careers, the NFL usually stands for “Not For Long,” and Earl has not played a game since 2019. Much has changed in the post COVID world, and Thomas isn’t getting any younger.
Football isn’t a repetition sport like some others. In a sport like baseball, a player can miss some time, come back, and still do a capable job. Mitch Haniger of the Mariners is a great example.
Has Thomas lost a step? Most likely, yes. But can he make up for that step in other ways? Again, yes. Experience is a great teacher, and his recognition was always good. Is his experience enough to make up for declining physical skills? No, but it’s not the only reason.
Not a good fit
The second issue is whether or not ET3 is a good fit for the current Seattle Seahawks roster.
In the offseason, Seattle paid to keep safety Quandre Diggs. His extension came a year after they did the same for his running mate Jamal Adams. So the Seahawks have lots of cap space (almost $16M) already designated for their starting safeties.
Thomas would be forced to take a part-time/substitute role. Even then, he’d be behind Maquis Blair and Ryan Neal, two productive backups. The Seahawks don’t need him unless the position gets decimated by injuries.
The Bird is his Word
Lastly, the main reason the Seahawks should say no thanks to a Thomas reunion is how he left the team in 2018.
There is the visual of Thomas’ last appearance in a Seattle Seahawks uniform. As the medical staff carted Thomas off the field with a broken left leg, he flipped the bird to Coach Pete Carrol.
Although he probably doesn’t hold a grudge, Carroll can’t be too happy about it either. It’s okay; the 12s hold it for him.
On a rebuilding team, the last thing Seattle needs is that kind of attitude and unprofessionalism. The younger players shouldn’t see a former All-Pro act like he did.
Final Thoughts
I won’t go as far as to call Thomas a team cancer, but he doesn’t bring enough benefits to outweigh the negatives that also come with him. ET3 may get one last shot in someone’s training camp, but it won’t be in Seattle.
Good luck to Earl in his efforts to return to the NFL, Earl. His play as a member of the famed Legion of Boom deserves respect. Sadly, his time in the Emerald City has ended.
Eventually, I can see Thomas and the Seahawks mending fences if he humbles himself a bit. One day they could include him in the Ring of Honor. But that conversation is far off in the future.
Related Story: Seahawks Dueling Mock Drafts 4.0
Playing in a contract year at 29 years old, Earl Thomas flips off the Seahawks' sideline as he's carted off with an apparent leg injury.https://t.co/ZVQfOU7Ccm
— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) September 30, 2018
Do you think the Seattle Seahawks should give Earl Thomas another shot to play for them? Let us know in the comments section below.