Seahawks: Projected 2016 starters and the next man up

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Dec 6, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas (29) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Seahawks defeated the Vikings 38-7. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Free Safety

Starter: Earl Thomas

Backup: Steven Terrell

Earl Thomas is an All-Pro. There’s no denying his impact on each game and his importance to Seattle’s defense. He’s an essential piece to Seattle’s defensive puzzle.

There is simply no one in the NFL that could step in and fills Thomas’ shoes. If Thomas goes down with an injury, it’ll lead to a major shift the team’s coverage scheme to make up for the loss.

That shouldn’t be taken as a slight to backup Steven Terrell. Terrell is the next of a long line of backup safeties in Seattle that will have a solid free agent market when his contract is up.

Terrell is a hard-working special teams contributor, but there is simply no replacing Earl Thomas.

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