Ravens Officially Release S Earl Thomas

August 23, 2020

The Baltimore Ravens announced Sunday that they’ve officially released S Earl Thomas.

We have terminated S Earl Thomas’ contract for personal conduct that has adversely affected the Baltimore Ravens.

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 23, 2020

Thomas posted the following on his Instagram:

“Appreciate the Ravens organization for the opportunity. Had a great run. Wish things would have ended different but you live and you learn. Thank you Eric DeCosta and everyone else who played a role in bringing me to B-More. Wish you guys the best.”

Reports had said that the Ravens were prepared to move on from Thomas by either trading him to a new team or releasing him outright today.

However, considering the money Thomas is owed, it seemed unlikely Baltimore would find a serious trade partner.

The Ravens noted that Thomas’ conduct played into his release, which will be an attempt for them to recoup some of the guaranteed money owed to him. Although, Thomas would likely file a grievance against the Ravens should they go after the $10 million in fully guaranteed salary he’s owed.

Some teams that have been tossed out as potential landing spots for Thomas include the Cowboys, 49ers and Texans, but it’s always possible that this list could grow.

The Ravens sent Thomas home from their facility on Friday after he got into a fight with fellow safety Chuck Clark.

Jason La Canfora mentions that Thomas’ participation in position meeting was also an issue and Ravens’ players have voiced strong support for DeShon Elliott as a rising safety should Thomas be let go. La Canfora adds that players in Baltimore also love free agent safety Tony Jefferson, who is almost all the way back from his 2019 injury.

Thomas, 31, is a former first-round pick of the Seahawks back in 2010. He played out the final year of his five-year, $44.725 million contract that includes $27.725 million guaranteed and made a base salary of $8.5 million for the 2018 season.

Thomas later agreed to a four-year, $55 million contract with the Ravens last year that includes $32 million fully guaranteed at signing.

In 2019, Thomas appeared in 15 games for the Ravens and recorded 49 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a recovery and four passes defended.