There is no doubt that safety Earl Thomas is a good player and could potentially add to an already robust San Francisco 49ers defense. While it seems unlikely to happen, that hasn't stopped people from chiming in on the possibility.
NFL linebacker turned NFL Network analyst Willie McGinest recently said the Niners potentially adding a player like Thomas would be "almost unfair" to the rest of the league.
"For the 49ers, I look at their defense as one of the best in the league," McGinest said. "And if you add another piece like that, it just sends them over the top. It's almost unfair. But I look at that locker room — strong personalities, strong locker room, great character, great coaches in there to be able to handle a guy like Earl Thomas."
Now, before we go on, it is important to note that there have been zero reports that the 49ers are even considering adding Thomas. With several key players scheduled to become free agents next year, the team is pushing close to its salary-cap limit, and future uncertainty can make a big move tricky.
Still, NFL insider Ian Rapoport did name the 49ers among three teams to keep an eye on as Thomas once again becomes a free agent for the second time in 18 months. The others are the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans.
Hall of Fame receiver Jerry Rice on Monday joined 95.7 The Game and was asked on The Morning Show if his former squad should consider the seven-time Pro Bowl selection and three-time first-team All-Pro.
It sounds like he recommends caution.
"You've got to be very smart here because if a team like the Ravens let you go, it's really making a statement where this guy -- where his head is at right now," Rice said. "I really don't know him. I don't know him at all. But for them to make a drastic move like that, I think it's sending a message throughout the league that this guy, he has some problems."
Peter King of NBC Sports wrote the following about Thomas on Monday:
"He was not well-liked by his teammates. He had a pattern of being late, and in a recent practice, he made multiple assignment errors, causing defensive teammates to confront him about his preparedness. He missed at least one walk-through with no valid excuse. When the incident at Friday's practice happened, very few if any teammates came to his defense. Teammates backed Clark, the significantly lesser name."
It is worth noting that when San Francisco had the option to pursue Thomas last year, as many expected the team to do, it opted not to do so.
One player who feels Thomas is still an impact player is his former Seattle Seahawks teammate and current 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman.
"It's really sad how things have played out for a man who is like a brother to me," Sherman shared over the weekend via Twitter. "Just know that when [Thomas] gets back on the grass he will be out to make a point! Still one of the best in this league and I look forward to him being able to prove it again."
You can listen to the entire conversation with Rice below.