Earl Thomas Doubles Down On Plans To Hold Out If He Doesn’t Get Extension From Seahawks

Seahawks S Earl Thomas reiterated Saturday that he won’t play for Seattle next year unless he gets a long-term extension from the team.

“I know me so I won’t allow myself to even go out there and risk it all if they don’t have faith in me and a long-term deal,” Thomas told Jane Slater of NFL Media. “I just got to protect myself at the end of the day, me and family. That’s the first thing. Like I said, I just don’t feel comfortable going out there without a long-term deal.”

On Thursday, Thomas said he would like to finish out his career with the Seahawks, but he can’t see playing out the final year of his contract if Seattle isn’t willing to extend their commitment to him.

“I want to finish my career there,” Thomas said, via ESPN.com. “I definitely don’t see myself going out there not signed. But I’m going to continue to work my butt off and enjoy this process at the Pro Bowl.

“As far as my future in Seattle, I think if they want me, you know, money talks. We’ll get something accomplished. Other than that, I’m just taking it one day at a time.”

Thomas also explained that he made those previous comments to Cowboys HC Jason Garrett and WR Dez Bryant in the Dallas’ locker room because he was a Cowboys fan growing up and was caught up in the moment.

“I’m a Dallas Cowboys fan. I’m from Texas. My dad always instilled that in us. That’s all we watched growing up,” Thomas said. “I had an amazing game that game and I was just caught up in the moment. I saw coach Garrett. I just listened to my inner self and just went. Went to the locker room and they were kind of down. I hugged Dez. I just wanted to get the experience.”

The Seahawks are drawing closer to the point where tough decisions are going to have to be made regarding some of their notable defensive players. However, it seems unlikely they would move on from Thomas any time soon, considering that he’s still an impact player and arguably the most valuable player on defense.

Thomas, 28, is a former first-round pick of the Seahawks back in 2010. He’s entering the final year of his five-year, $44.725 million contract that includes $27.725 million guaranteed and stands to make a base salary of $8.5 million for the 2018 season.

In 2017, Thomas has appeared in 14 games and recorded 88 tackles, two interceptions with one being returned for a touchdown, a forced fumble and seven pass defenses. ProFootballFocus rated him as the No. 9 overall safety out of 86 qualifying players.

We’ll have more regarding Thomas and his future as the news is available.