How much will Earl Thomas cost the Cowboys in free agency after season-ending injury?

The Cowboys can’t trade for Earl Thomas this season.

The reason? Thomas would not pass a physical.

On Tuesday, the Seahawks put the five-time All-Pro on injured reserve after he fractured his left leg during his team’s 20-17 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

So what does the injury mean for Thomas’ value going forward?

Or, to put it another way, what will he cost Jones and the Cowboys when the NFL’s free-agency period officially starts in the spring?

In 2018, Thomas carried a cap hit of $10.4 million. According to Spotrac, that’s the fourth-highest total among all NFL safeties.

Even though he skipped training camp this season, his first four games indicated he is still capable of being one of the defensive backs in football. And he’s already made it clear he wants a long-term, top-of-the-market contract.

But this latest serious injury and his age (he’ll turn 30 next May) could decrease his value.

Thomas has publicly stated that he’s wanted out of Seattle for months.

And the former Texas Longhorns star has made no secret of his desire to continue his NFL career in his home state. Last December, after the Seahawks win at AT&T Stadium, Thomas told Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett to come and get him.

Owner Jerry Jones and his front office engaged in trade discussions with the Seahawks throughout the offseason, but the two sides could not make a deal.

According to Thomas, some Cowboys’ coaches even mentioned a potentially imminent trade that would reportedly have been completed after the Seahawks beat the Cowboys in Week 3 of this season.

The Cowboys might only need to offer him a deal that looks similar to the one he had in Seattle.

Something in the neighborhood of four years and a cap hit of $8-9 million per season.

However, the Cowboys still have to pay future free agents such as quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence.

And their cap situation now and moving forward is not ideal.