Seattle Seahawks free safety Earl Thomas has announced he will not be at the team’s mini camp, which gets underway on June 12, over disputes regarding his contract.
Thomas is seeking an extension to his deal and presumably would become the top paid free safety in the National Football League.
The star ball-hawk is in the last year of his current deal and is set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2019.
Thomas released a statement on Twitter expressing his desire to remain in Seattle for the rest of his career but would like to see his production reflected in his pay.
“I will not be attending the upcoming mini camp or any team activities until my contract situation is resolved,” said the defensive back.
“I want everyone especially the 12s to know that I want to remain a Seahawk for the rest of my career, but I also believe that based on my production over the last 8 years that I’ve earned the right to have this taken care of as soon as possible,
“I want to have certainty in regards to the upcoming years of my career. I’m going to continue to work my craft and put in work so that I can add to the team and give us the best chance to win,” he continued.
“I hope my teammates understand where I’m coming from and believe this is the right thing to do. E.T.”
At 29, the ninth-year veteran is arguably looking for the last major contract of his career which would then carry him through until his early 30’s and probably see him through to the end of the prime.
The 2010 first round pick is set to earn $10 million this season, putting him as the fourth highest earner at his position behind Harrison Smith, who signed a five-year $51.25 million extension in 2016, LaMarcus Joyner, who is currently playing under the franchise tag for the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry.
Thomas has 25 interceptions through eight years in Seattle and has scored three defensive touchdowns.
RJC Sports 