Ex-Seahawks teammate Avril: Everyone knows Thomas loves Cowboys

If it's supposed to be a secret that Seattle Seahawks star safety Earl Thomas wants to play for the Dallas Cowboys, it hasn't been well kept.

"Everyone in our locker room knows that Earl loves the Cowboys," former teammate Cliff Avril, who was released by Seattle in May, said recently on SiriusXM NFL Radio. "I mean, he grew up in Texas. That's just who he is. He will leave immediately after work just to catch them play on Monday Night Football. You know what I mean? So we understand that. We didn't take it too serious."

Thomas and the Cowboys have been linked since December, when the six-time Pro Bowler told Dallas coach Jason Garrett to "come get me" following a game.

Thomas, 29, is seeking a new contract from the Seahawks and plans to hold out until he gets one or is traded. He's been widely hailed as the gold standard for free safeties, and made 88 tackles and two interceptions last year.

Related - Carroll: 'We'll see' if Thomas is with Seahawks for Week 1

Through his social media activity, the former Texas star added fuel to the Cowboys rumors this week:

Dallas could use help at safety, but has been hesitant to part with a high draft pick for a player who may only have one or two elite seasons left in the tank.