Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas is making a case on the field for something he couldn't do off the field.
Thomas, who held out of training camp and the preseason in a failed effort to get a contract extension or trade, is building a case for an extension with his performances on the field.
The safety made two acrobatic interceptions on Sunday, helping the Seahawks defeat the Dallas Cowboys 24-13. The Seahawks posted a their first win of the season and kept their playoff hopes alive.
Here's Thomas' two picks
Thomas has three interceptions in the first three games this season, one of three players with a league-leading three interceptions.
"He played his tail off," Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters after the game. "He gave everything he had."
Thomas' performance didn't come without drama. Thomas sat out two practices last week. Thomas said he didn't practice in his effort to protect his body amid trade talk and his unhappiness about not receiving a contract extension.
"I need to make sure my body is 100," Thomas told reporters after the game. "I'm invested in myself. If they was invested in me, I would be out there practicing. But if I feel like anything - I don't give a damn if it's small, I've got a headache - I'm not practicing. I just want to be appreciated."
Thomas said he expects to be fined for not practicing.
"I know I'm going to get fined," said Thomas, who also had seven tackles (six solo) in the game, tied for the team-high.
According to a report, the Seahawks are considering levying a big fine on Thomas for his actions.
Thomas is set to earn $8.5 million in 2018, the final year of his four-year, $40 million contract. He produced his big game against the team most associated with the Seahawks in trade talks involving him. According to a report, Kansas City has gotten involved in trade talks for Thomas.
How this plays out is anybody's guess. Will Thomas continue to sit out practices? Will the Seahawks grow weary of the antics and finally trade him to the Cowboys now that the two teams have played against each other? Will they re-sign him? Stay tuned.
One thing is almost certain. If Thomas continues to play the way he has in the first three games, he's going to get a contract extension from a team.
-- Geoffrey C. Arnold | @geoffreyCarnold