5 greatest safeties in Seattle Seahawks franchise history

No. 2 - Seattle Seahawks S Earl Thomas III (2010-2018)

Even though his tenure in Seattle didn't end the best way, there is no denying the impact Earl Thomas III had on this organization. It was pretty hard to adjust to life after Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. While Kam was the enforcer, Earl was the ballhawk. He was an absolute missile in the open field. Like Kenny Easley, he was a first-round selection for the Seattle Seahawks.

Also like Easley, I expect Earl Thomas to end up in the Hall of Fame. During his 9-year career with the Seahawks, Thomas was a six-time Pro Bowler, a 3-time First-Team All-Pro and a 2-time Second-Team All-Pro. Forget the Seahawks' history, there aren't many safeties in the history of the NFL that had the ability to read and react as Earl Thomas did. What made the Legion of Boom so special was how much ground Earl Thomas could cover. It was very hard to move him off the ball with eye manipulation. The multiple single-high safety looks put a lot of pressure on Earl, but it sure wasn't anything he couldn't handle.

No. 1 - Seattle Seahawks S Kenny Easley (1981-1987)

Ironically, Kenny Easley would have been a perfect fit for Mike Macdonald's defense that he will be implementing in 2024. Although his playing career is what most would consider short now, in seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Easley had an everlasting impact between the white lines. He was a 5-time Pro Bowler, 1981 AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year, 1983 AFC Defensive Player of the Year, 1984 Defensive Player of the Year, First-Team All-Pro from 1982-1985, and of course, a Hall of Famer.

Although he was nicknamed "The Enforcer" for his style of play, Easley was a true hybrid. His ability to track the ball and intercept it was second to none during his tenure with the Seahawks. Also, a secure tackler who set the edge on rushers. He was sort of a blend of what was to come years later in the proclaimed Legion of Boom. There is no specific ranking to this list of individuals, but one could certainly argue Kenny Easley is the greatest safety in the history of the Seattle Seahawks.

Read more from 12th Man Rising