4 Destinations for Earl Thomas

Per Adam Schefter, the Ravens will either trade or release Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas. Yesterday, Thomas punched teammate Chuck Clark. Outkick documented the events leading up to Baltimore’s decision.

A team would also have to trade for Thomas' contract, a four-year $55-million deal — $32 million guaranteed — he signed in March 2019.

Here are four destinations for Thomas:

Dallas Cowboys

Dallas is the most logical fit. Team owner Jerry Jones is drawn to big names; Thomas is on the shortlist of candidates for the NFL Safety Mount Rushmore.

Schefter added, if Thomas is released, sources tell him the Cowboys are “leading contenders.” 

Dallas has a Super Bowl offense; its defense is a question mark. Last week, it suffered another blow losing Gerald McCoy to season-ending surgery.

Don't forget:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

All of sudden, the Bucs are an option for everyone. 

Tampa Bay has a short Super Bowl window and safety is an area of need. Justin Evans missed last season with an Achilles injury and could struggle to get back to form. 

The Bucs would likely need to re-work Thomas’ deal to facilitate a trade, which is a possibility.

Kansas City Chiefs

It’d be a shock to see the Ravens send Thomas to the Chiefs. The AFC is a two-team race, and inches separate Baltimore and Kansas City. However, if Thomas is cut, Kansas City is an ideal landing spot. 

Last offseason, Thomas came close to signing with the now-Super Bowl champions. Safety Juan Thornhill was impressive in his rookie season, but due to a late-season ACL tear, his play this year could be compromised.

Perhaps, the fiery Thomas’ main objective is to now, at all costs (keyword), get back at the Ravens? If so, this is a no-brainer.

Arizona Cardinals

In 2019, per Pro Football Focus, the Cardinals had the second-worst secondary in the NFL. 

Arizona allowed the “league’s highest completion percentage (75.5%), the most receptions (417), the most touchdown passes (37), the most combined first downs and touchdowns (239) and the highest passer rating to opposing quarterbacks (117.9).”

How terrible.

Arizona isn’t in rebuilding mode, either. With Kyler Murray, the Cardinals can compete for a playoff spot this season. DeAndre Hopkins was a steal from Houston. If the Cardinals can add Thomas, too, they’ll enter 2020 as winners of the offseason.