Texans bringing in Earl Thomas for a visit after Ravens’ release

Earl Thomas, recently released by the Baltimore Ravens, is going to Texas for his first official workout.

At the start of the NFL league year, Earl Thomas was the starting free safety for the Baltimore Ravens. However, his tenure came to an end during training camp this past August, as the Ravens released him following a physical altercation with teammate Chuck Clark. Thomas has been on the open market for a full month, but it appears he’s close to finding his new home.

According to reports, the Houston Texans are bringing in Thomas for a workout this week. ESPN insider Adam Schefter later clarified through his sources that a “signing this week is more likely than not.”

Houston looking to improve on their 0-3 start

As mentioned earlier, Thomas was in Baltimore for one season after signing a four-year, $55 million contract with the team in 2019. That came after Thomas’ tumultuous exit from the Seattle Seahawks, in which he demanded a trade off the team. Seattle ultimately opted against it, and allowed him to walk to free agency.

Thomas was solid in his lone season with the Ravens, as he tallied 49 total tackles, four passes defended, two interceptions, two sacks and one forced fumble recovery. Additionally, Thomas surrendered only 11 receptions on 25 targets for 113 yards and zero touchdowns, per Pro Football Reference.

Houston is having a brutal start to the 2020 campaign, aka “life after DeAndre Hopkins.” The Texans had to play the Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers through the first three weeks of the season, and they emerged from the smoke and ashes winless.

According to NFL.com, Houston has allowed the fifth-fewest passing yards to quarterbacks (598), but they didn’t force a single interception. Furthermore, the Texans have allowed the fourth-highest passer ratings to the opposition (112.2). Hence, the interest in Thomas.

Head coach and general manager Bill O’Brien is trying to turn the ship around, given that the team he built sits dead-last in the AFC South, behind the Jacksonville Jaguars. Based off Schefter’s report, it appears a deal could be agreed upon in the coming days. But before he signs, he’ll have to pass the COVID-19 protocol before he puts pen to paper.