Although trade rumblings have circled around Earl Thomas for the better part of two months, the Seahawks don’t intend to deal the veteran defensive back, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link). Seattle wants to reach a long-term contract with Thomas, whom the club considers “firmly” in their 2018 plans, per Rapoport.

The Seahawks have undergone a significant offseason makeover on the defensive side of the ball, changing out much of their staff and replacing former coordinator Kris Richard with Ken Norton Jr. Seattle is engaged in trade talks regarding defensive lineman Michael Bennett, while other tenured players such as Richard Sherman, Kam Chancellor, and Cliff Avril could also be moving on. Thomas, though, doesn’t appear to be in danger of being traded any time soon.

Thomas, for his part, has been vocal about his desire to sign an extension, either with the Seahawks or another club (Thomas has been linked to the Cowboys, largely due to his own comments). Entering the final season of his contract, Thomas has threatened to hold out if he doesn’t land a new deal. Thomas, whose $10MM annual salary ranks sixth among safeties, will collect an $8.5MM base salary in 2017.

While Thomas doesn’t appear to going anywhere, the Seahawks prefers to wrap up its Bennett trade talks in the next week or so, per Rapoport. As Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reported Sunday, the Falcons are discussing a deal for Bennett, and Rapoport indicates there are other (unknown) clubs that potentially have interest in acquiring the three-time Pro Bowler.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.