Cowboys DC Mike Nolan Says He Hasn't Had Any Conversations About Earl Thomas

Seven-time Pro Bowl safety Earl Thomas has been connected to the Dallas Cowboys a number of times, but defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said his focus has largely been elsewhere with the season approaching.

"I've not had any conversations with Jerry [Jones] or anyone about [Thomas]," Nolan said, per Jon Machota of The Athletic. "When it becomes serious then maybe there will be a conversation. But as far as including me thus far, I have not."

Thomas remains unsigned after the Baltimore Ravens announced they terminated his contract on Aug. 23 for "personal conduct that has adversely affected" the team following an altercation at practice.

ESPN's Adam Schefter called Dallas the "leading contender" to add Thomas around the time the Ravens moved on, but owner Jerry Jones didn't sound like someone who was on the verge of bringing in the former Seattle Seahawk during a recent appearance on 105.3 The Fan:

"Discussions directly with Earl (Thomas) ... we have not had any, but I have not had any either. Discussions internally. We have discussions. Certainly, he's an outstanding football player. We're sitting here at personnel time and we're looking for ways to get better. He'd be one of several we'd discuss during this particular time as we finalize this roster. It would be a misleading thing to say we haven't discussed him, it would be a misleading thing to say that we have."

While Thomas is 31 years old and likely past his prime, there is no doubting his resume.

In addition to the seven Pro Bowl selections, he is a three-time All-Pro selection and helped the Seahawks win the Super Bowl during the 2013 campaign. He has 30 career interceptions and is never someone who hesitates to come over the middle and deliver hard hits or help against the run.

Dallas could have landed Thomas in the past as well considering Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported in April 2018 that the NFC East team reached out to the Seahawks about a potential trade but was unwilling to part with first- and third-round draft picks. 

The Cowboys could use the veteran now after they released Ha Ha Clinton-Dix—who they signed in March—on Thursday, but Nolan apparently has not yet discussed bringing him aboard with Jones or anyone else.