Troubled safety would do wonders for the Arizona Cardinals
By Jim Koch
Despite his behavioral problems, Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas would be an outstanding addition to the Arizona Cardinals secondary
For nine seasons, the Arizona Cardinals had to deal with one of the NFL’s best safeties. Twice a year, while he was a member of the Seattle Seahawks, Earl Thomas wreaked havoc on the Cards offense. Suddenly, due to some unfortunate circumstances, the seven-time Pro Bowler has hit the free agent market.
The Baltimore Ravens parted ways with Thomas on Sunday, citing “conduct detrimental to the team” as the reason for his release. The former first-round draft pick was sent home from practice on Friday after a fight with teammate Chuck Clark. It’s also being reported that Thomas ignited arguments with other members of the Ravens, and missed several mandatory meetings as well.
Even so, there will be no shortage of suitors for the temperamental Thomas. Despite the fact that the 31-year old has exhibited unappealing behavior, there’s no denying what Thomas can bring to a secondary. Is it possible that the Arizona front office could overlook his mistakes, and add such a troubled individual to their defense?
The Cardinals could sure use the services of a star player like Thomas. Last week, the club’s defensive backfield took a huge hit when cornerback Robert Alford was lost for the entire 2020 campaign with a torn pectoral muscle. While Thomas doesn’t play corner, the 5’10, 202 pound safety has received high grades for his pass-coverage ability.
At the moment, the Cards starter at strong safety is Jalen Thompson, a 22-year old who was a rookie in 2019. It goes without saying that Thomas would be a huge upgrade over the second-year pro. In fact, the pairing of Thomas and Budda Baker would give Arizona two Pro Bowlers at the safety position.
What Thomas has accomplished on the football field is undeniable. In 125 starts for Seattle, the Texas native racked up 664 tackles, 28 interceptions and 67 passes defensed. In his one campaign with Baltimore last fall, Thomas totaled 49 tackles, two picks, four pass breakups and the first two quarterbacks sacks of his NFL career.
The Cardinals have very little salary-cap space at the moment, so general manager Steve Keim would have to do some savvy maneuvering to make the acquisition happen. An extension for cornerback Patrick Peterson, or possibly even edge-rusher Chandler Jones, would help the franchise free up some money. The odds of Thomas landing in the desert are most likely long, but the Cards playoff chances would increase significantly if Keim could find a way to get it done.