The possibility of Earl Thomas being traded (especially to the Dallas Cowboys) has been a persistent rumor of the NFL offseason. But when training camp starts in July, Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll expects the All-Pro safety to be there.
Carroll on Earl Thomas: "He's a Seahawk. I dont know what everyones talking about." Asked Pete if he expects Earl at camp in July: "Heck yeah. he better be there. He's on the roster. We're counting on him."
— Dave “Softy” Mahler (@Softykjr) April 19, 2018
In all fairness, it’s not exactly as though the rumors are coming out of nowhere. Thomas’ name was mentioned in rumors along with Richard Sherman shortly before the latter was cut. Additionally, the Seahawks have undergone some significant roster turnover with Sherman, Michael Bennett, Paul Richardson, and Jimmy Graham having all departed since the end of the 2017 season.
Certainly, we can understand why Carroll would want Thomas around. He’s a six-time Pro Bowler (including 2017), two-time First-team All-Pro, and two-time Second-team All-Pro (including 2017). Additionally, the defense took a major hit in 2016 when Thomas was injured.
We could absolutely see a trade happening. But if Thomas is moved, it doesn’t seem as though Carroll will be too pleased.