Report: Earl Thomas, Seahawks agree on 4-year, $40 million extension
Jan 19, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas (29) celebrates after the Seattle Seahawks recovered a San Francisco 49ers fumble during the 2013 NFC Championship football game at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated San Francisco 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Multiple reports indicated on Monday that Earl Thomas signed a four-year, $40 million extension with Seattle, making him the highest-paid safety in the league.
The #Seahawks four-year extension for safety Earl Thomas pays him $40 million base value with $27.725 million guaranteed, source says.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2014
Just 24 years old, #Seahawks S Earl Thomas is already the @NFL’s best at his position. Now, he’ll get paid like it. Richard Sherman is next
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 28, 2014
ESPN.com reported that the deal makes Thomas “the NFL’s first $10 million-a-year safety.”
Thomas has played in four seasons in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl three times. He is a big reason the Seahawks defense is the league’s best.
Last year, Thomas had a career-high in tackles (105) and tied a career-high with five interceptions. He also forced two fumbles and has forced at least one fumble in all four of his years in the NFL.
Now that Thomas is locked up to a long-term contract, the Seahawks next priority will be reaching a deal with Richard Sherman.
CBSSports’ Jason La Canfora reported that Seattle is trying to make Sherman the highest-paid corner in the league and they want to get the deal done in the next 10 days.
Seahawks also zeroing in on a deal that would make Richard Sherman highest paid CB in the game. Hopeful it's done before the draft as well
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) April 28, 2014
If Seattle wants to make Sherman the highest-paid corner in the league, they will have to give him a contract around $16 million per year.