Report: Cowboys not planning to sign Earl Thomas

Earl Thomas has made it no secret that he would like to play for the Dallas Cowboys, but it does not sound like that is going to happen unless he changes his salary demands.

Calvin Watkins of The Athletic reports that Thomas is seeking a contract worth around $13 million annually. Sources told Watkins that the Cowboys will not be interested in the six-time Pro Bowler at that price, just as they are unlikely to pursue any other high-priced safety like Landon Collins or Eric Weddle.

Thomas met with the Cowboys at the Scouting Combine last week so the team could get an idea of the type of offer he is seeking, so the two sides likely realized then that they are far apart. If Thomas can’t generate enough interest on the free agent market and ends up looking for more in the $8-$10 million range, Dallas would be interested. That seems improbable, however.

Thomas grew up in the Dallas area, and the exchange he had with the Cowboys after a game in 2017 made it clear he wants to play for his hometown team. His former Seattle Seahawks teammate Richard Sherman recently said that is still the case.

While Thomas is 29 and looked like his usual All-Pro self prior to breaking his leg last year, the Cowboys showed great improvement on defense in 2018 and have other needs to fill. Even if the interest between them and Thomas is mutual, paying a safety $13 million doesn’t make much sense.