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Many fans of the Seattle Seahawks were upset at reports which emerged during the NFL Combine that the team was shopping Earl Thomas, potentially as part of a plan to rebuild their Day 2 draft capital. Well, Monday night NFL Insider Ian Rapoport of the NFL report reported that the team plans to keep Thomas, not only for 2018, but for future seasons as well.
From @NFLTotalAccess: The #Seahawks are likely to lose TE Jimmy Graham to free agency, are keeping S Earl Thomas for 2018 and beyond and are trying to move Michael Bennett. pic.twitter.com/FNZjkdJQ1Y
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 6, 2018
That would support what general manager John Schneider said Friday at his press conference, when he stated that he and Earl’s representatives had met the previous evening to discuss a potential contract extension. Thomas is a key cog in the Seahawks defense, and over the last two seasons the team is 16-8-1 when Thomas plays and just 3-4 when he is out due to injury.
However, the team not shopping Thomas is contrary to reports that emerged from the combine just last week.
Seahawks looking to deal Thomas/Bennett. Ravens eager to draft a QB high in the draft. And more combine notes: https://t.co/LZXYSSQdR2
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 3, 2018
In any case, based on the most recent report, Hawks fans hopefully should not need to fear the team trading away Earl Thomas anytime soon. While there may be major changes on defense when the 2018 season arrives, including the potential loss of Cliff Avril, Kam Chancellor and Michael Bennett, three time All Pro free safety Earl Thomas should still be patrolling Area 29.