Among the list of free agents that are said to be a good fit for the Packers, is former Seattle Seahawk all-pro safety Earl Thomas. Thomas would certainly be an instant upgrade for the Packers at one of their weakest positions because of his diverse skill set and his ability to shut down the opponent's receivers and tight ends while making game-changing plays on the ball. The only risk that comes with signing Earl Thomas is whether or not he will be able to stay healthy for a full season.
Two of Thomas's last three seasons have ended with the same injury, a broken tibia. The lasting image of Thomas is of him being carted off of the field and flipping the bird at the Seahawks bench. Thomas obviously does not want to be remembered for his frustration culminating in a weak moment, but rather, for all of the hard hits and game-changing turnovers that he has created en route to many Seahawk victories.
With this in mind, the question remains of whether or not it would be wise for the Packers to sign Earl Thomas to a long term contract given his age, injury history, and the reckless abandonment in which he has played the safety position over the course of his career. The next question would be, if the Packers did in fact sign Earl Thomas, would they really be getting equal value for the money and commitment that it would take to bring him to Green Bay?
The Accolades:
Earl Thomas is certainly a special case because the numbers that he has achieved throughout his illustrious career speak for themselves. He has been selected to 6 pro bowls, 3 all pro teams, and is regarded as one of the best to play the safety position in the last ten years. He has 28 interceptions, 67 passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles, and has left countless receivers asking themselves what happened as he unloaded on them as they came over the middle of the field.
The Commitment:
With a track record like Thomas's and fierce competition to obtain his services, it isn't hard to imagine his price tag reaching $8,9 or even $10 million dollars despite coming off of his broken tibia. So to put a more concrete figure on a potential Earl Thomas contract, the Packers must ask themselves whether he is worth a 3 year $30 million commitment.
I see Thomas as the ultimate risk and reward player, as he is a signing that could help define Gutekunst's tenure in Green Bay. Signing or passing on Thomas will cause a strong reaction one way or another three years from now and I don't think that there is any way of preparing for those ramifications. It could be a Jimmy Graham-like reaction or a Julius Peppers-like reaction, the only way to find out how this will play out is to put your chips on the table and go all in on Earl Thomas. Personally, I think that under the right circumstances Thomas is worth the risk.
Sound Off:
As always, I want to know what your thoughts are on whether or not the Packers should move their chips to the middle and take a gamble on Earl Thomas. Should the Packers pursue Thomas? Should they pursue Landon Collins, or should they move in a completely different direction?
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