It's no secret the Dallas Cowboys and Earl Thomas share a mutual interest in one another. Thomas has publicly stated his desire to join America's Team and the Cowboys did their darndest to make that happen last offseason. Nothing ever materialized a year ago, but it's looking as if the stars have finally aligned and a union between the two could merely be just weeks away.
Surprisingly enough, the Dallas Cowboys may have dodged a bullet last year when the Seattle Seahawks refused to part ways with their All-Pro safety. Not only would they have had to surrender a high draft pick, but they would've also had to extend Thomas' contract. Fortunately, timing is everything and now the Cowboys might just have to do the latter.
A potential contract between the Cowboys and Thomas is of course what I want to dive in today. I'm not going to get into numbers right now, because it's nearly impossible to project any kind of contract for any safety this offseason, especially for the former Seahawk, Earl Thomas.

Free Agent FS Earl Thomas (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Right now, it's a little difficult to know who might have the advantage in contract negotiations, Earl Thomas or the Dallas Cowboys. A lot of times the one that has the leverage, however slight, is the one that gets the better of the deal. As surprising as it may be, the Cowboys might just have the advantage here and I'll tell you why.
First off, this year's market for free agent safeties is pretty stacked with starting caliber players. See below:
- Earl Thomas
- Landon Collins
- Lamarcus Joyner
- Tyrann Mathieu
- Adrian Amos
- Clayton Geathers
- Ha-Ha Clinton Dix
- Glover Quinn
- Tre Boston
- Kenny Vaccaro
- George Iloka
- Jimmie Ward
- Adrian Phillips
Earl Thomas is obviously the headliner here amongst the free agent safeties, but having so many starting caliber players available could drive down Thomas' market value just a bit. This is especially true when you take into consideration the market for FA safeties just a year ago. It was almost a complete standstill last year, with only Kurt Coleman signing a three-year $16.5 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. Not even the "Honey Badger" Tyrann Mathieu could get more than a one-year deal.
With all of these safeties available in free agency, we could be looking at another stingy market. This of course could be good or bad news for the Dallas Cowboys, especially as it pertains to Earl Thomas. Since he is the top FA safety available, everything could once again be at a standstill until he is signed.

Free Agent FS Earl Thomas (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Of course, we all know this will ultimately come down to determining Earl Thomas' market value. There is no denying he is still arguably the best free safety in the game today, but there are concerns about his age (30) and the two lower leg injuries he's sustained in the past three years.
Even with the loaded free agent market of starting caliber safeties and Thomas' age and recent injury history, he's still likely to receive a contract that earns him $10 million annually, give or take. It wouldn't surprise me at all if he gets another four-year deal worth $40 million, $25.7 million guaranteed, with a $9.5 million signing bonus like he signed with the Seahawks back in 2014.
The Cowboys of course would probably find a four-year $40 million deal for Earl Thomas acceptable. They would more than likely frontload the contract with a lot of protection in the details. They have the cap space to make this happen and still be able to sign their own, so money shouldn't be a problem.
Now, whether or not Thomas' market value may dip a little due to all of the above mentioned reasons will be something we will have to wait and find out. Regardless, I'd be a little shocked if Earl Thomas doesn't finish his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Do you think Earl Thomas' market value will take a little hit this offseason?
Stan Lamaster
April 2, 2018 at 9:46 am
Are you kidding! He should be a tight end and be mentored by Witten.
Hector Espindola
April 2, 2018 at 12:19 pm
There is gonna be hard battles at trainning camp with thus guy! Looks promising!
Kevin Black
April 2, 2018 at 12:42 pm
There were quite a few draft gurus last year that thought he should have stayed in college. If he had, many predicted a 1st or 2nd round grade on him. They also felt he was a Dez Bryant starter kit in a lot of ways.
Assassin
April 2, 2018 at 3:04 pm
The kid is 6’2, 225. While he is never gonna grow two or three more inches, he could probably add 20 lbs next offseason and drop right into the TE rotation when Swaim or Hannas contracts expire and/or Witten retires.
Hobbes49
April 2, 2018 at 3:31 pm
Agreed, I think this guy has a chance to be a more than solid contributor in years to come. As a WR or TE.
Steve
April 2, 2018 at 5:35 pm
Why not keep him at his salary, he’s already better than Williams. IMO trade Williams and release Bryant and put Hurns as your #1 allow Robinson and Brown to fight it out for #2 Beasley/Switzer will be the slot and draft solid Wideout. There are diff scenarios Stephen Jones can work, I mean if Dez is willing to cut his salary in half and move frwd then I see us keeping him and then you gotta trade Williams and possibly Beasley as well and with all that happening we could save around 12 to 14 mil in cap space. With that being saved we have the money to sign E. Thomas to a 4 yr deal worth 55 mil and that way our Wr group cap cost will be down below or at 20 mil for the group instead of around 35 that it’s at now! Way to much! I like the Noah Brown at TE project as well because the Rico Gathers project isn’t working at all…
EverybodyTalks
April 2, 2018 at 7:07 pm
So, Noah looks like a late bloomer and as I’ve said before should be placed at TE, because of his blocking ability. We let Hanna go and gain 2.5 million in cap space. I can see Dez staying, even if we keep Noah and draft a “new” WR. Of course, Dez would be the highest paid “bridge” player on record as these newbies mature…think Nolan Carroll – ouch!
Russ_Te
April 2, 2018 at 8:13 pm
4.55 40, according to > https://twitter.com/Birm/status/844996801807699968
He is a power possession WR who will get a boost if Dez were released. If Dez & Hurns are both on the roster, Brown probably will not be.
To be able to swing inside to TE is interesting, but Brown would need to be adding bulk now for it. Then that learning curve, will detract from his present one at WR. Might be better for him to stay at WR only, focus on having the best camp he can – then if there’s no room on the Cowboys someone else will sign him.
Russ_Te
April 2, 2018 at 8:15 pm
https://twitter.com/Birm/status/844996801807699968
Emilio Gonzalez
April 2, 2018 at 10:53 pm
Not been overlooked he’s going to get more chances and make the most out of them,good receiver just starting hope the Cowboys see the talent this guy has, you’ll see got good hands.Thanks
Derek Robinson
April 3, 2018 at 11:33 am
Brown just needs a chance. With the new coaches, some fresh eyes on the players. He’ll get his shot. He’s got great hands, and good speed. I just like how Dallas is stacking their position groups. It just creates more competition. Love that concept. Only the best.