Fansided

4 teams that should sign Earl Thomas if he’s cut by the Ravens

By Joseph Birdsall

MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 08: Earl Thomas #29 of the Baltimore Ravens returns an interception in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - SEPTEMBER 08: Earl Thomas #29 of the Baltimore Ravens returns an interception in the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 8, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Eric Espada/Getty Images) /
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Ravens safety Earl Thomas’ future with the team is in doubt after an altercation with a teammate, and these teams would be wise to sign him if possible.

Baltimore Ravens safety Earl Thomas was dismissed from Saturday’s practice after getting into a fight with teammate Chuck Clark, and according to multiple reports, the team is thinking about letting go of the former All-Pro.

While Thomas is no longer the player he was in his prime, he could still be a major contributor for a playoff contender. With just one season in Baltimore under his belt and plenty of dead cap looming if the Ravens decide to release him, the decision will likely be a difficult one.

However, if Thomas does become available, there are a few playoff hopefuls who would be wise to pick him up. The 31-year-old remains a difference-maker in the secondary, and could be a valuable addition to these four teams if they are  willing to take a chance on him.

4. Miami Dolphins

While the Miami Dolphins may not fit the same profile as some of the other teams on this list with regard to their playoff timeline, signing Thomas would align well with the team’s other offseason moves.

General manager Chris Grier and head coach Brian Flores have invested heavily in the secondary, pairing star cornerback Xavien Howard with big-ticket free agent Byron Jones and then drafting cornerback Noah Igbinoghene in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Although Miami is unlikely to compete for a playoff berth in 2020, the roster is not as far from contention as some fans might think. Head coach Brian Flores got the most out of an awful roster in 2019, going 5-11 in his rookie season. With so much more talent on board now, the Dolphins could be positioned for success in the near future.

However, Thomas could become the kind of veteran leader that elevates the defense even higher, forming one of the NFL’s better secondaries. Flores would also likely be able to control any potential locker room drama, with the first-year coach quickly gaining the trust and respect of his players in 2019.

Look out for Miami as a dark horse in the race to sign Thomas, assuming he becomes available. They have the necessary cap space to sign him, and the secondary appears to be the top priority in the rebuild.

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