ESPN predicts 49ers will sign safety Earl Thomas this offseason

Could Seattle Seahawks safety Earl Thomas be headed for a reunion with Richard Sherman? ESPN seems to believe so. The sports news site's beat writers made bold predictions for all 32 NFL teams, and Nick Wagoner had Thomas landing with the 49ers this offseason.

"For the second year in a row, the Niners will add a former part of the 'Legion of Boom' after grabbing Richard Sherman last year," wrote Wagoner. "Sherman already has said he's willing to help recruit Thomas if needed, and while Thomas should have no shortage of suitors, the fit in San Francisco is as obvious for him as it was for Sherman in 2018. Thomas would instantly provide the stability the Niners clearly missed in the secondary last season while adding another valuable leader for a young defense."

The addition of Thomas would make sense for the 49ers. The team employs a similar defense to the one run in Seattle and would benefit from a veteran player of Thomas' caliber in the defensive backfield.

Thomas is entering his 10th NFL season and has spent his entire pro career in Seattle, the team which made him the No. 14 overall pick out of Texas in 2010. He has been selected to six Pro Bowls and been named a first-team All-Pro three times during his nine seasons with the Seahawks.

Sherman remains close with Thomas and shared in December that he would have no problem helping San Francisco recruit his former teammate. Of course, it will ultimately come down to how much the 49ers are willing to spend to acquire him.

"I have no problem with [recruiting players]," Sherman said. "I think this is a pretty attractive destination as is, but money is the best recruiter. I'll do my two cents."

Sherman and Thomas spent seven seasons together in Seattle, where the safety is not expected to return. Thomas is coming off a lower leg fracture suffered in September against the Arizona Cardinals.

"Earl Thomas can fit anywhere he wants to fit," Sherman continued. "Would I love to play with Earl Thomas III? Sure. I would love to. I'd love to have him back in the locker room. But I'm sure he'll have a plethora of opportunities, but I'm sure we're going to throw our hat in the ring."

H/t to Kirk Larrabee of 24/7 Sports for the find