Earl Thomas' free agency continues.
The Houston Texans sent home the former All-Pro safety prior to his scheduled workout, NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday. Thomas had already taken an off-site physical in advance of what was supposed to be his first workout with a team since being released by the Ravens in August. The news comes on the same day that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell instructed clubs to review their procedures for bringing in free agents for workouts following eight positive cases of COVID-19 (three players, five personnel) for the Tennessee Titans.
Thomas was one of five safeties set to visit the Texans this week, per NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport. Whether he eventually works out for the club is still to be determined, but for now he leaves Houston without a deal in place and nothing imminent between the two sides, Rapoport added.
The seven-time Pro Bowler found himself on the open market following a fight in training camp with Baltimore's Chuck Clark, with the team cutting ties soon after while citing detrimental conduct. Thomas made the Pro Bowl in his lone season with the Ravens, tallying 47 tackles, four passes defended and two interceptions in 15 games. It was a comeback year of sorts for one of the best players at his position over the last decade.
The Texans' change of course comes one day after placing starting safety A.J. Moore on injured reserve with a hamstring injury. The rest of the league, which includes some teams with similar needs at safety, has interestingly shown less interest in adding the 31-year-old defensive back.