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NFL.com predicts Seahawks could deal Earl Thomas in 'Trade Tsunami'

Things are heating up in the NFL as the new league year approaches and teams are pouring over their rosters before the start of free agency and the NFL Draft.
Jan 3, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas (29) reacts alongside head coach Pete Carroll against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Things are heating up in the NFL as the new league year approaches and teams are pouring over their rosters before the start of free agency and the NFL Draft.

“This NFL offseason is long on salary-cap space and short on quality free agents,” writes Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com. “As a result, a tsunami of trades could be forming in the coming months.”

Will the Seattle Seahawks be involved in the wave of trades?

Rosenthal lists Seahawks’ cornerback Richard Sherman and free safety Earl Thomas as two potential players who could find themselves in the mix.

“The Seahawks openly discussed dealing Sherman last offseason, so it can’t be ruled out happening again,” Rosenthal notes. “Seattle might not get an offer worth moving on from its star cornerback, but making safety Earl Thomas available could inspire different results.”

“NFL Network’s Michael Silver reported that Thomas could seek a raise this offseason,” he continued. “If the Seahawks choose to blow up their championship defense, this would be the time to maximize a trade haul for perhaps the best safety of this decade.”

It’s no secret Seattle’s formidable secondary, the Legion of Boom, isn’t getting any younger and the injuries are starting to mount. Sherman ruptured his Achilles last year against Arizona and strong safety Kam Chancellor’s season remains uncertain after the neck injury he suffered in the same game.

Combine those injuries with Thomas’ recent hints at a potential holdout, and second-year cornerback Shaquill Griffin could be the only starter guaranteed to return this season.

Coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Schneider have never shied away from the trade market, but dealing one or two of their prized defensive weapons would signal a tidal wave of major changes to come.

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