NFC Notes: Earl Thomas, Seahawks, Cardinals

Earl Thomas

Seahawks HC Pete Carroll said of S Earl Thomas during an interview Dave Softy Mahler: “He’s a Seahawk. I don’t know what everyone’s talking about.”

When asked if he expects Thomas to be in attendance for the start of training camp in July, Carroll said: “Heck yeah. he better be there. He’s on the roster. We’re counting on him.”

• Brady Henderson of ESPN writes that the logical deadline for the Seahawks to trade S Earl Thomas would be at the end of the second round.
• Thomas has not been in attendance for the start of voluntary offseason workouts and Henderson says it’s possible he stays away from the team until there’s a resoluion in place regarding his status with the team and/or contract situation.
• Henderson believes Thomas is likely looking for around $13 million per year in a long-term extension, which would put him on par with what Eric Berry is making with the Chiefs.
• While the Seahawks have said they aren’t discussing an extension with Thomas right now, Henderson mentions that it’s not out of the question they could still re-sign him at some point. Even so, the Seahawks are clearly rebuilding their defense, so investing big money in Thomas may not coincide with their plans for the roster.
• Henderson admits it’s possible Thomas could hold out for a new contract and it’s hard to say how Seattle would handle this situation. In the past, the Seahawks declined to make adjustments to S Kam Chancellor‘s contract while adding $1.5 million to Marshawn Lynch‘s base salary a few years ago. Henderson adds those two players had more years remaining on their current agreements at the time, which could help Thomas’ case.
• As for what the Seahawks could get in a trade for Thomas, Henderson can’t see any team being willing to part with a package that consists of a first and mid-round pick for him. Instead, Henderson thinks a more realistic return package could consist of a second-round pick and another selection.
• According to Henderson, the Cowboys remain the team to watch for Thomas, given that they’ve reportedly spoken with the Seahawks about him and the fact that he has said he would like to play in Dallas. If Thomas is willing to give the Cowboys a discount as part of a long-term extension, it could help them justify parting with a package of picks to get him.

Seahawks

• Ian Rapoport reports that members of the Seahawks brass are having dinner with Washington DT Vita Vea Thursday night. Rapoport adds that Seattle would likely need to trade up to get Vea.
• The Seahawks hosted Ohio State OL Billy Price for an official pre-draft visit on Wednesday. (Aaron Wilson)
• Alabama CB Tony Brown also visited the Seahawks on Wednesday. (Aaron Wilson)

Cardinals

Cardinals GM Steve Keim told reporters on Wednesday that trading up for a quarterback could be “crippling” for them over the next few years if they make the move and get it wrong.

“Are you willing to put the franchise in a position to be set back for years if you’re not right?” Keim said, via Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic. “I mean, it can be crippling for us if we traded the next couple drafts to go get a player that has never taken an [NFL] snap and doesn’t have success.”

“If it’s a dynamic player at that position that is a game-changer, they’re not going to take anything short of the mortgage for the house, the farm and everything,” Keim added.

Keim has said previously that regrets passing on Russell Wilson.

“I think about the things that I’ve done wrong more so than I think about the things that have gone well,” Keim explained. “To me, when you’re a competitor, that’s how you grow and get better in this business, is to be critical of yourself.”

• Cardinals HC Steve Wilks said Thursday that there’s nothing is wrong with QB Sam Bradford’s left knee and the limited work he’s had during minicamp has been by design to decrease wear and allow him to be healthy for the regular season. (Kent Somers)
• According to Wilks, Deone Bucannon will be their will linebacker with Josh Bynes serving at the team’s mike linebacker. (Darren Urban)