Seahawks Won’t Negotiate With Earl Thomas
An Earl Thomas return to the Seahawks will have to be on his current contract, because the team has no intention of relenting in this standoff. 
The Seahawks have no plans to discuss a new deal with Thomas, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times reports. No negotiations are taking place, either, Condotta hears. Pete Carroll said he has not talked to his top safety this week.
Thomas has been away from the team throughout 2018, and the Seahawks don’t intend to allow him to return free of charge, either.
Unlike the NFC West rival Rams’ decision to waive Aaron Donald’s fines after his unsuccessful holdout concluded last year, the Seahawks do plan to collect fines from Thomas if/once he returns. The Seahawks will attempt to collect approximately $1.2MM from Thomas, Condotta reports.
Thomas said he won’t report to the Seahawks without a new deal, wanting either a trade or an extension. This impasse shows no signs of slowing down. Seattle may still want at least as second-round pick for its three-time All-Pro safety, Condotta notes, with Dallas still being the most likely buyer. The sides talked during the draft but could not strike a deal.
Although, the latest Seattle standoff with a safety hasn’t affected the team like the previous holdout did, per Condotta. Kam Chancellor’s 2015 holdout lasted for two games but occurred when the Seahawks resided as the defending NFC champions. They now appear closer to a rebuild than a Super Bowl run, and Condotta notes the Thomas issue has barely come up during Hawks camp.
Tedric Thompson has replaced Thomas with the Seahawks’ first-stringers, joining Bradley McDougald.
Extra Points: Colts, Seahawks, Marshall, Jets, Vikings
Aside from Anthony Castonzo and Ryan Kelly, the Colts will deploy a retooled offensive line this season. They added some new parts by way of draft picks and free agents but are attempting an experiment at right tackle. Second-round guard Braden Smith has worked at right tackle this week, Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star notes.
This may spell trouble for Austin Howard’s chances of making the roster, with Keefer adding Indy brass is “clearly” not high on the veteran signing right now. The Colts are as of now slotting Matt Slauson at right guard, and with Smith previously serving as the free agent addition’s backup there, the team is trying him out on the outside — where less competition appears to exist.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Brandon Marshall’s played with more quarterbacks than most wide receivers of his caliber have, having now been on six teams. He’s not a lock to catch passes from Russell Wilson this season, but the 34-year-old wideout’s chances of making the Seahawks’ 53-man roster may be improving. Marshall and Wilson have developed a solid rapport over the past two weeks, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com writes. Marshall was only given $90K guaranteed and missed minicamp because of a hamstring injury, this coming after extensive rehab from ankle surgery. With Doug Baldwin out for the remainder of the preseason, Marshall’s seen plenty of reps with Seattle’s first-stringers, alongside Tyler Lockett and Jaron Brown, per Henderson.
- The Jets will have to find a new ace contract negotiator. Jets director of football administration Jackie Davidson is leaving the franchise, Brian Costello of the New York Post reports (on Twitter). Davidson negotiated contracts for the Jets. However, the team looks to have a replacement lined up. David Socie is set to replace Davidson, Costello adds. Socie worked under previous Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum, per Costello (on Twitter), and also spent time at the league office.
- One of the Vikings’ backups has encountered some off-the-field trouble. Anthony Barr’s reserve option, Antwione Williams, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor careless-driving charge, Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports. Williams was arrested in May in Edina, Minn., on suspicion of drunken driving. He spent last season on the Vikings’ practice squad and signed a reserve/futures deal in January.
Seahawks Sign LB Erik Walden
The Seahawks have signed linebacker Erik Walden, according to an announcement from his agents. Walden, who is pehaps best known for his time with the Colts, spent last season with the Titans. 
Walden has managed to put together ten-year NFL career despite being selected in the sixth round of the 2008 draft. After serving as a starter with the Colts for four seasons (including a 2016 campaign where he compiled 11 sacks), the 32-year-old (33 later this month) spent last season as a backup with the Titans. He finished the year with 36 tackles and four sacks in 16 games.
In 2016, Walden amassed an eye-popping 11 sacks. Despite the gaudy total, he did not find an NFL home until late July of last year. His offseason took a similar trajectory this year.
The Seahawks project to start Barkevious Mingo, Bobby Wagner, and K.J. Wright at linebacker in their 4-3 scheme. D.J. Alexander, Josh Forrest, and rookies Shaquem Griffin and Jake Martin are among the reserve LBs under contract.
Seahawks’ Rashaad Penny Has Surgery
Seahawks running back Rashaad Penny had surgery on Wednesday morning to fix a broken finger, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times tweets. The recovery is estimated to take 3-4 weeks, which puts the Seahawks’ top running back up against the start of the season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). 
While there is some doubt about Penny’s availability for Week 1, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter links) has received largely positive news about the rookie. One source tells Schefter that Penny “should be ready” for the season opener and another says Penny “would have played with it if this were late season/playoffs.” Schefter also notes that baseball standout Robinson Cano once had the same surgery and he was back in action within three weeks.
Penny, the No. 27 overall pick in this year’s draft, is expected to be the Seahawks’ leading rusher this season. If he misses time, the Seahawks can turn to backups Chris Carson, C.J. Prosise, and J.D. McKissic, but they have not received consistent production from those players in the past.
If Penny misses more time than expected, the Seahawks can consider a free agent running back market that still includes Orleans Darkwa, Adrian Peterson, and Jamaal Charles.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/14/18
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Austin Wolf
- Released: WR Rashad Ross
Denver Broncos
- Claimed: WE DeAndrew White (Texans)
- Waived/Injured: WR Philly Brown
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: RB Tion Green
- Waived: LB William Ossai
San Francisco 49ers
- Waived: OL Alan Knott
Seattle Seahawks
- Waived from injured reserve: OL Avery Young
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived from injured reserve: CB David Rivers
Griffin Likely To Make Seahawks
- Seahawks rookie linebacker Shaquem Griffin has shown that having just one arm is not an obstacle for him on the field and he appears on course to make the final cut, Brady Henderson of ESPN.com writes.
Minor NFL Transactions: 8/12/18
Today’s minor moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: CB Alex Carter
- Placed on IR: S Damian Parms
Denver Broncos
- Waived: OL Leon Johnson
Houston Texans
- Signed: WR Quan Bray
Los Angeles Rams
- Placed on IR: CB Kevin Peterson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Claimed off waivers: CB De’Vante Harris
- Waived: CB Aaron Davis,
New Orleans Saints
- Waived:G Trevor Darling
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: CB Elijah Battle, LB Jason Hall, C Marcus Henry
- Waived: FB Jalston Fowler, TE Je’Ron Hamm, LB Warren Long
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: LB Tony Washington, LB Davond Dade, DL Francis Kallon
- Waived: LB/FB Nick DeLuca, S Joshua Kalu
DRC Didn’t Work Out For Raiders
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie indeed worked out for the Seahawks this week, but it doesn’t sound like he auditioned for the Raiders (as was previously reported). The free agent cornerback told ESPN’s Josina Anderson that Oakland simply inquired on whether he was in shape, “like a lot of other teams” (Twitter link). DRC added that he hasn’t scheduled a workout with Oakland.
While a former Pro Bowler is usually a welcome addition to any roster, the Raiders didn’t necessarily seem like an ideal fit for the 32-year-old. After all, the team has a relatively crowded cornerback depth chart. Gareon Conley, Rashaan Melvin, and Daryl Worley are projected to be the team’s top corners, while Shareece Wright, Dexter McDonald, fourth-rounder Nick Nelson, and Leon Hall are in play for backup roles.
Of course, DRC’s production also slipped last season. His 77.2 overall score from Pro Football Focus was his lowest since 2012, and he ultimately finished as the league’s 58th-ranked cornerback. He settled into more of a reserve role with the Giants, finishing the campaign with 48 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and one pass defended in 15 games (five starts).
Rodgers-Cromartie did acknowledge that he worked out with the Seahawks on Friday morning, saying the audition went “real good. They were impressed.” The connection with Seattle makes sense, especially after the team let go of slot cornerback DeAndre Elliott. If he were to join Seattle, the veteran would likely compete with Dontae Johnson, Byron Maxwell, Tre Flowers, Neiko Thorpe, and Trovon Reed for backup reps.
Seahawks Work Out QB Josh Johnson
The Seahawks will work out quarterback Josh Johnson on Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Johnson was most recently with the Raiders, though his stint in Oakland lasted only a couple of months. 
Johnson has not thrown a pass in a game since 2011, but he’s remained on rosters as a backup. Last year, the Texans added him after Deshaun Watson‘s season-ending injury. He’s traveled all over since 2009 and has taken snaps for the Bucs, Browns, Bengals, and 49ers.
The Seahawks’ QB depth chart currently consists of star Russell Wilson, backup Austin Davis, and seventh-round pick Alex McGough. The Seahawks obviously like McGough after selecting him just a few months ago, but they may feel that they can sign a veteran such as Johnson, sneak McGough through waivers, and then sign the rookie to the practice squad.
DRC To Work Out For Seahawks, Raiders
Free agent cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will work out for the Seahawks at some point over the next few days, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). After that, he’ll audition for the Raiders. 
DRC was originally scheduled to workout for Seattle last week, but that had to be rescheduled due to a family matter. The Seahawks should be keenly interested in DRC since they could use a slot cornerback after waiving DeAndre Elliott. Behind projected starters Justin Coleman and Shaquill Griffin, the Seahawks are also rostering Dontae Johnson, Byron Maxwell, Tre Flowers, Neiko Thorpe, and Trovon Reed.
Rodgers-Cromartie’s age (32) was likely a factor in the Giants showing him the exit, but that is hardly a deterrent for Jon Gruden. And, even though the Raiders already have plenty of cornerback talent, they are apparently interested in seeing what DRC has to offer. The Raiders project to use Gareon Conley, Rashaan Melvin, and Daryl Worley as their top corners with support from the likes of Shareece Wright, Dexter McDonald, fourth-rounder Nick Nelson, and veteran Leon Hall.
It was an underwhelming 2017 campaign for Rodgers-Cromartie, who finished out as Football Focus’ 58th-ranked cornerback. He finished the season with 48 tackles, 0.5 sacks, and one pass defended in 15 games (five starts) for the Giants.