Ravens release Earl Thomas
The Baltimore Ravens have released safety Earl Thomas, the team announced Sunday.
The Ravens explained their decision is based on Thomas' "personal conduct that has adversely affected" the organization. Baltimore is cutting the veteran defender after the team sent him home for an altercation with teammate Chuck Clark during practice Friday.
Thomas signed a four-year, $55-million deal with the Ravens in 2019 and was set to earn $15 million this season, including a fully guaranteed $10-million base salary that becomes null if he's suspended for detrimental conduct to the team.
Thomas thanked the Ravens after learning of his release.
"I appreciate the Ravens organization for the opportunity," Thomas said on Instagram. "Had a great run ... Wish things would have ended different but you live and you learn. Thank you (general manager) Eric DeCosta and everyone else who played a role in bringing me to B-more. Wish you guys the best."
The Dallas Cowboys are the leading contender to land Thomas, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The 31-year-old, who missed practice Saturday and Sunday, shared on Instagram a video of the play that led to the altercation and reflected on the incident - though he later deleted the post. He called the incident "a mental error."
Thomas and Clark reportedly engaged in a "heated confrontation" during practice, starting with a sideline argument, before multiple flare-ups prompted teammates to intervene.
Thomas joined the Ravens as a free agent last year after a decorated nine-season tenure with the Seattle Seahawks. The seven-time Pro Bowler racked up 49 tackles, two interceptions, and two sacks through 15 games in his first season with Baltimore.
Selected 14th overall out of Texas in 2010, Thomas was a pivotal part of the Seahawks' Legion of Boom that helped the team win its first Super Bowl six years ago.
Head coach John Harbaugh confirmed DeShon Elliott will replace Thomas.
Harbaugh on DeShon Elliott: "It's his time, so let's go."
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) August 23, 2020
Elliott, a sixth-round pick in 2018 out of Texas, has battled injuries over his first two NFL seasons. After missing his rookie campaign, he appeared in just six games in 2019.