Impending free agent safety Earl Thomas would love to play for the Dallas Cowboys. His favorite childhood team won't get a discount to acquire his services if it is interested, though.

Thomas reportedly wants to become the NFL's highest-paid safety. Right now, that honor belongs to Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs, who earns an average salary of $13 million per year under his current contract.


First, there were reports that the Cowboys aren't willing to break the bank for Thomas. They have too many of their own stars to secure for the future.

Then, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on Sunday that the Cowboys are "by no means out" on Thomas, which means maybe they are willing to find a way to make him the top-paid safety and potentially outbid other interested parties.

Such a scenario would not be good for the San Francisco 49ers, who are expected to throw their hat in the ring in the pursuit of Thomas. Simply matching any offer from Dallas would not be enough. They would have to get into a bidding war.

Now, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk is reporting that the Cowboys won't break the bank in free agency, even for Thomas. The All-Pro safety's price would have to come down for Dallas to get involved in the bidding war that is likely to kick off on Monday when NFL teams can begin dealing with players' agents. Agreements can become official on Wednesday at 1 p.m. Pacific.

"The Cowboys' recent modus operandi is to shop for free agents after the first wave," writes Florio. "They haven't made a splash in free agency since 2012 when they signed cornerback Brandon Carr to a five-year, $50.1 million deal."


Will Dallas make a serious run at Thomas or will it avoid the high-priced veteran and let the smoke clear from the first round of free agency signings? We'll be able to separate fact from fiction over the coming days.

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