Just days after allegedly punching teammate Chuck Clark, the Baltimore Ravens released safety Earl Thomas. The Pro Bowl safety had spent just one season in Baltimore and while he excelled on the field for that lone year, his antics clearly went against the Ravens’ culture, leading to his release.
In an unusual and relatively quiet offseason, this news broke through and drew the attention of seemingly every football fan. That extended to Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, who said he respects Thomas and can’t wait to see his next destination.
Surprised the Ravens released my guy @Earl_Thomas . Hearing all the noise but Earl’s always been someone I can rely on when I had questions and I have nothing but respect for him. Can’t wait to see where he lands.
— Deshaun Watson (@deshaunwatson) August 23, 2020
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman echoed a similar sentiment. He believes Thomas will be motivated and have a chip on his shoulder once he signs elsewhere.
It’s really sad how things have played out for a man who is like a brother to me. Just know that when @Earl_Thomas gets back on the grass he will be out to make a point! Still one of the best in this league and I look forward to him being able to prove it again
— Richard Sherman (@RSherman_25) August 23, 2020
For some of Baltimore’s fans, the move was so shocking they couldn’t believe it even after the team announced it. Some even went as far as to blame the media for making it a bigger deal than it really was.
if you seriously think we’re getting rid of Earl Thomas over a training camp fight idk what to tell you. Earl’s passion may get him into trouble some times, but these things happen in all training camps This one just happened to get sent to the media.Once a Raven Always a Raven💜
— James Parks (@423ManMan) August 23, 2020
Marcus Mosher of Raiders Wire gave his take on the situation, using the potential perspective of the Ravens’ organization for why they let Thomas go.
Baltimore knows the value of having a strong locker room. Earl Thomas, while still a great player, didn't mesh as well as they hoped.
This is a loss, but might be best for their longterm future.
— Marcus Mosher (@Marcus_Mosher) August 23, 2020
There is no doubt having a strong locker room is key to the championship success the Ravens are looking for this season. Having Hall of Fame players such as Ray Lewis and Ed Reed for over 10 seasons, Baltimore has seen first hand how important a united locker room is.
With Thomas now released, Dallas Cowboys fans have been banging the table for the team to sign him. The Cowboys have been connected to just about every safety that has come available over the last two years and this one particular fan is tired of them not signing the big names.
@dallascowboys If ya'll don't sign Earl Thomas then you're completely out of touch with reality! The safety position has been one of our weak positions for YEARS! Xavier Woods & Ha Ha Clinton-Dix are NOT the solution! Don't screw up AGAIN by letting Earl slip through your fingers
— st3v3132 (@st3v3132) August 24, 2020
On the flip side, some Cowboys fans are against the team signing Thomas given his most recent incident.
Really hoping the Cowboys don’t sign Earl Thomas. Don’t want that in the locker room.
— Tyler Hughes (@Tyghes) August 24, 2020
Regardless of where Thomas lands, Cowboys writer Clarence Hill Jr. believes he’s far too talented on the field to be ignored, and that he’ll be on a roster come Week 1.
We can talk about how Earl Thomas fits in the locker room all day. But we also know some team will eventually sign Antonio Brown.
Thomas, a Pro Bowler last year in Baltimore and future Hall of Famer, will be signed and on a team before the start of the season.— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) August 24, 2020
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