Things haven't been great between Earl Thomas and the Seattle Seahawks. Thomas was in a contract with the team this summer which led to him holding out for the preseason.
Unlike current holdout of the Pittsburgh Steelers, Le'Veon Bell, Earl Thomas reported to the team at the start of the season deciding that earning $500,000 per game was just too much money to leave on the table. That decision could end up costing Thomas millions. Thomas was in the final season of a $8.5 million deal and was looking to lock into a long term deal before the season started. Ultimately that deal never got done and it's unlikely that Thomas ever suits up for the Seahawks ever again.
The gesture Thomas threw up as he was being carted off the field wasn't subtle in the least. It was a big FU to the organization who just lost one of the last remaining pieces from their old stalwart defense. It is understandable just how frustrated Thomas was in that moment.
His teammate Bobby Wagner had a good quote on the situation after Sundays game, Bobby said "If he doesn't come, then he's not a team player. If he does come and gets hurt, then it's 'he shouldn't have came'". Interesting to hear that from one of his teammates, sympathizing with Thomas' unenviable position. You are not a team player if you holdout but it's your own damn fault if you show up and get hurt, a lose lose situation for a player like Thomas.
Thomas could return for the playoffs but it's more likely that he will be focused on free agency next season. The injury will have a huge impact on his value when he hits the open market in the offseason. I hope Thomas has a full recovery and is able to move one from Seattle and continue his football career.