Seattle Seahawks should deal Earl Thomas and move on

The ongoing Earl Thomas saga in Seattle has been one of the highlights of the offseason. Frankly, the Seahawks should just cut bait and deal Thomas.

Back in the 2010 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks used the 14th overall selection to bring Earl Thomas from Texas to Washington. Over the course of Thomas’ eight seasons in the Emerald City, he became one of the best safeties in the NFL.

In fact, Thomas was instrumental in founding the Legion of Boom that tormented the league for a handful of years.

Now, heading into the last season on his contract with the Seahawks, Thomas has made it clear that he wants to be extended or simply traded. In order to fortify his position in negotiations, Thomas is holding out of training camp, much to the chagrin of his head coach.

Truthfully, the fact that nothing has yet to happen is quite surprising. Thomas has made it abundantly clear that he desires a resolution. The team is in a tough situation regarding a potential trade as they clearly want a proper return for a player of Thomas’ caliber.

If Thomas plays this final season in Seattle and walks away during the offseason, the team will receive a compensatory third round pick. Surely, the team believes that he former three-time All-Pro is worth more than that, but other teams can use it as leverage during negotiations.

In all likelihood, Thomas either goes for a second-round pick or a combination of a third- and fifth-/sixth-round selections. With the Oakland Raiders and Dallas Cowboys as potential destinations, the Seahawks simply need to deal Thomas and move on.

Send him to the highest bidder, accept the reward and let go of one of the few remaining members of the Legion of Boom. It is a tough decision to make, but it is the correct one. Dragging this situation out will only hamper the team.