Earl Thomas agrees to four-year deal with Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens made a somewhat surprising decision to release Eric Weddle this offseason, but they may have been eyeing the Pro Bowl safety’s replacement all along.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Ravens have have agreed to a four-year, $55 million contract with Earl Thomas. The deal includes $32 million guaranteed.

Former Seahawks’ S Earl Thomas intends to sign a four-year, $55 million deal that includes $32 million fully guaranteed at signing with the Baltimore Ravens, league source tells ESPN. Deal includes $22 million in first nine months.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2019

Thomas is more than four years younger than Weddle, so he’s considered an upgrade at the position. The Ravens have already lost Terrell Suggs and CJ Mosley via free agency, and they’ll be relying on Thomas to be the heart of their defense going forward.

Many believed Thomas was destined to sign with the Dallas Cowboys, but the price was apparently too steep for them. Assuming he shows no ill effects from the fractured leg he suffered last year, Thomas should return to his All-Pro form in 2019.