Just a week ago, safety Earl Thomas was getting praise heaped upon him for how he looked at training camp. Now, he’ll be wearing a different uniform for the third time in little more than a year after the Baltimore Ravens have released Thomas for personal conduct detrimental to the team.
The move comes just two days after Thomas allegedly punched fellow safety Chuck Clark in practice. Thomas had blown a coverage on one play, causing tight end Mark Andrews to get open for a touchdown, seeing Clark throw his helmet to the ground in frustration. Thomas was sent home for practice the following day with the team making the decision to either release him or trade him over the weekend.
This isn’t the first altercation Thomas has had with his teammates. Thomas and defensive tackle Brandon Williams got into a heated argument following Baltimore’s Week 4 loss to the Cleveland Browns last season. Thomas also had an altercation with his wife this offseason which drew the type of headlines the Ravens like their players to avoid.
While there’s no doubt Thomas is one of the best cover safeties in the game right now. Despite coming back from a broken leg last season, Thomas helped the Ravens create a shutdown secondary that was among the best in the league. This year, Thomas had come to training camp in even better shape, having defensive coordinator Don Martindale say he was “getting ready to add another year to his Hall of Fame career.”
The decision to release Thomas for “personal conduct that has adversely affected the Baltimore Ravens” could allow Baltimore to file a grievance to recoup his $10 million guaranteed 2020 salary, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
It was hoped the Ravens would be able to find a trade partner for Thomas. However, Thomas’ release means he’s an unrestricted free agent and can sign anywhere he pleases.
[vertical-gallery id=51797]