After a drama-filled offseason, Earl Thomas’ 2018 campaign was cut short due to a broken leg suffered in the Seahawks’ win over the Cardinals this past Sunday. Now, more details are pouring in about Thomas’ status with the team, and a potential trade that was in the works. 
Prior to Thomas’ season-ending injury, the Seahawks dropped their asking price from two second-round picks to one second-round pick for the All-Pro, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter) hears. It was reported earlier this morning that the Chiefs were actively engaged in trade talks for Thomas and things got serious enough to where the Chiefs were looking into ways to free up the necessary cap room to take on Thomas’ contract, presumably because of the Seahawks’ reduction in asking price.
It’s a moot point now, but we can glean two things from this bit of news: 1. The Chiefs are very high on Thomas and may profile as suitors for him this offseason and 2. Chiefs GM Brett Veach may be willing to part with considerable draft capital between now and the trade deadline to improve his team. The Chiefs are clearly in win-now mode, and are looking to make a Super Bowl run. Their strong interest in Thomas also shows the team is likely very concerned about the status of All-Pro safety Eric Berry. Berry has yet to play this season as he continues to work his way back from an Achilles injury, and it doesn’t sound like he’ll be suiting up any time soon.
While Thomas was so close to seeing his goal of being traded become a reality, there is some good news for the 29-year-old. Rapoport also reports that the injury is “not expected to effect his free agency negatively.” Thomas’ injury is serious, but is expected to heal fully and not have any lingering impact. Still in his prime, he should still be in for a massive payday next spring.
Serves John Schneider and co. right. Sucks that it had to come at the expense of Earls health. Schneider was greedy and wanted 2 2s after originally asking for 1. Now, he’s left being unable to trade Earl, gets no compensation in return, and will watch ET walk out the front door with his middle finger raised high at seasons end.
They’ll likely still get a comp pick if he leaves, probably a 3rd at best. And who knows, between now and then maybe they re-up Earl.
He asked for a first round pick to begin with and everyone balked at it. Should’ve jumped on the Cowboys 2 when he had a chance. Now you get a third.
They will still get a compensation pick for him
No one can predict injuries. Earl is vitally important to the Seahawks. Duh. Do you think they were giving up on the season already?
They were asking for 2 2nds?
Lol no wonder nothing got done.
it’s all fun and games until the Seahawks slap the franchise on him…
That’d be great! Then when he complained, they could say ‘We’re paying you top 3 money at your position.’.
I will laugh if they do that. It’s like….we know you hate us earl….how about you hate us even more.
I can only imagine the price drop now that his leg is broken.
As his leg was breaking they said okay well take a 2nd rounder.
there will still be a FA market for him it was just a broken leg.
Lots of Tuesday Morning GM’s.