5 former Texas football still trying to find a home in the NFL in 2021
Earl Thomas, S
If not for all of the off-the-field issues that faced the former Longhorns All-American safety and potential future Hall-of-Famer Earl Thomas, he would’ve already found another home off of the free agent market this offseason. But those troubles away from the gridiron (and at times on the field) last year meant that the Baltimore Ravens were forced to part ways with Thomas last fall.
There were some schools of thought that it might be worth the risk to sign the ultra-talented veteran defensive back Thomas last year after he was cut by the Ravens. But that didn’t wind up panning out, as Thomas remained a free agent for more than six months now.
In terms of free agent safeties still available at this point of the offseason, there’s none more decorated and proven than Thomas. As a selection to the Pro Football Hall-of-Fame All-2010s team, Thomas surely could still bring a lot of value to the table. He’s a six-time All-Pro, seven-time Pro Bowl selection, and a one-time Super Bowl Champion.
In his NFL career to date between time spent with the Ravens and Seahawks, Thomas registered more than 700 combined tackles, 13 tackles for loss, two sacks, a whopping 30 interceptions (two of which were returned for touchdowns), 71 pass breakups, a dozen forced fumbles, and six fumble recoveries.
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The former first round pick of the Seahawks in the 2010 NFL Draft might not get another shot to make a roster in the pros anytime soon. But it looks like it will depend on how much Thomas sticks with trying to prove himself and that he’s ready to return to the NFL ranks in a steady role.