The first round is over, but the drama isn't dead.
One situation left twisting in the wind Friday is the future of Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas in Seattle.
If the Seahawks manage to trade the dynamic defender it almost certainly would have to happen Friday. After today, the team wouldn't recoup enough compensation in a trade this season.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Seattle had some recent talks with the Cowboys. A trade has been called a "long shot," per Rapoport, but if it happens, compensation would come tonight, along with a new big contract for Thomas.
The Seahawks have insisted they have no intention of parting with Thomas, but after jettisoning longtime defensive stalwarts Richard Sherman and Michael Bennett, rumors have persisted. Thomas asking the Cowboys to "come get me" last year and Dallas' need at safety have helped keep the whispers alive.
The price for trading for Thomas has reportedly been a first-round pick plus more. Could Seattle settle for a second-rounder on Friday during the draft? Would the Cowboys balk at a trade that includes paying Thomas a massive salary?
We'll find out tonight.
Around The NFL is tracking all of the latest buzz for the 83rd NFL draft at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Check back each day for updated nuggets as we pass along whispers from around the league. Here's what we're hearing Friday:
- The Jets have found their quarterback of the future in first-round pick Sam Darnold. Great news for long-suffering fans of Gang Green -- but not for Bryce Petty. The Jets backup passer is drawing interest on the trade block, according to Rapoport. New York was unwilling to part ways with Petty when teams inquired last offseason, but everything has changed in Gotham. It's unclear what Petty would net in a trade, but a bag full of plastic spoons and forks should do the trick.
