Earl Thomas sent up more flares Thursday, meaning it's time for Jerry Jones to come to his rescue. Or vice versa.
Because Thomas might just be the answer to Jerry's Super Bowl dreams, like Charles Haley and Deion Sanders before him.
Thomas' "pay me or trade me" demand Thursday in The Players' Tribune is his latest attempt to force an issue he set in process last year, when he all but begged the Cowboys to come get him.
The only question, of course, is the cost. Don't let anybody tell you that the Cowboys would be happy with Jeff Heath and Xavier Woods. That talk is simply leverage.
Jerry has been waiting out the Seahawks, who are trying to get the best deal they can for the leader of what was once the Legion of Boom.
Last spring, the Seahawks reportedly wanted a second-round pick. Jerry countered with their third-rounder, and the Seahawks said no.
Surely a second-rounder in 2019 would be enough. If the Seahawks are on board, Thomas should be on his way to Oxnard, Calif.
Maybe you remember that Jerry gave a second and a third to the 49ers for Haley, and he proved to the last piece of a Super Bowl team.
Certainly you could make the argument that a Hall of Fame pass rusher is more valuable than a Hall of Fame safety. But Haley also came with considerable baggage. Besides performing as an all-world safety, Thomas has been an exemplary teammate and leader.
Thomas' presence would be invaluable in the development of the Cowboys' young secondary. And his play just might lift the defense to Super Bowl levels.
Could the Cowboys simply wait a year, then sign Thomas as a free agent and avoid having to give up anything but money? Sure. But does Jerry, who'll be 76 in October, want to wait another year? Besides, the NFL is always a year-to-year proposition because of injuries and performance.
If the Cowboys think they're close, and Thomas is the difference, then they have to come to his rescue. To the Pork Chopper, Jerry!
