Should the Dallas Cowboys ‘go get’ Earl Thomas despite concerns?

The Dallas Cowboys could benefit from the release of Earl Thomas. But should they ‘go get’ him?

The words “come get me” are likely still ringing in the ears of Dallas Cowboys‘ fans everywhere on Sunday. That following the news that All-Pro safety Earl Thomas is back on the open market.

Following an altercation with a teammate on Friday, the Baltimore Ravens have decided to release Thomas after a single season. As a result, the organization is expected to go after his $10 million salary for 2020.

A former first-round selection by the Seattle Seahawks back in 2010, Thomas is a seven-time Pro Bowler, five-time All Pro, and a Super Bowl champion. As a free agent in 2019, he inked a massive a four-year, $55 million contract with the Ravens.

Thomas recorded 49 tackles, six quarterback hits, 2.0 sacks, four pass deflections, and two interceptions as a 15-game starter for Baltimore in 2019. During the Ravens’ playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans, Thomas led the defense with seven total tackles and a sack.

Now on the open market, the Cowboys would seemingly be the perfect landing spot for Thomas. Both sides have expressed interest before (see reported trade offer back in 2018) and Dallas still has a need for a defensive playmaker in their secondary. Especially considering they lost two starters this offseason in Pro Bowl cornerback Byron Jones and safety Jeff Heath.

But Thomas does come with some baggage to consider. Obviously, the reported punching of a teammate in Baltimore on Friday which led to his dismissal from the team is concerning.

But that wasn’t the first time Thomas has had a reported beef with a Raven teammate, as a heated exchange between himself and nose tackle Brandon Williams following a loss last season forced others to step in before it got physical between the two.

Thomas also had a bizarre incident involving his wife reported about in May that alleged the veteran safety was actually threatened at gunpoint.

Despite those concerns, the Cowboys should leap at the chance to sign the 31-year old Thomas if possible. Dallas has had more than its fair share of off-the-field issues to deal with as the most popular team in the league. And they are battle-hardened to handle most situations.

A Texas native, Thomas has made no bones about his love for his childhood team. Yet, he also made it clear by signing with the Ravens last season he wants to be paid handsomely for his services. And money is likely going to be the biggest obstacle to a potential union.

As for the Cowboys current depth chart at safety, Xavier Woods and newly-signed free agent Ha Ha Clinton-Dix figure to start in the secondary at the position. The Cowboys also have safeties Darian Thompson and Donovan Wilson on the roster.

New head coach Mike McCarthy has also floated the idea of transitioning one or more of the cornerbacks to the safety position as well. The most likely candidates seemingly being Chidobe Awuzie and Daryl Worley.

If the Dallas Cowboys are even considering a position switch, you’d have to believe they’d very open to signing a potential free-agent upgrade at the safety position. And it now appears the Cowboys will get a second crack to “go get” Earl Thomas.