How the Seattle Seahawks handle the safety position following Earl Thomas’ departure is perhaps the single most fascinating subplot of the offseason. Thomas, the backbone of Seattle’s defense for the past nine seasons, is well on his way to becoming a first ballot Hall of Famer. The Seahawks’ defense has infamously fell apart in his absence. Most, if not everyone, believe Seattle will need to properly replace him ahead of the 2019 season. But what if the Seahawks themselves don’t subscribe to that theory?
From the time Tedric Thompson stepped into the starting free safety spot during Thomas’ holdout last training camp, through the end of the season when Thompson had once again taken the reins, Pete Carroll has preached the importance of Thompson playing with confidence and trusting his eyes.