KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Anyone keeping tracking as to who has heard rumors about the Chiefs' alleged interest in acquiring safety Earl Thomas from the Seattle Seahawks can add Kansas City head coach Andy Reid to the list.
"There are some rumors out there I guess," Reid said as he concluded his Monday press conference wrapping up yesterday's 38-27 win over San Francisco. "Rumors."
Speculation over the fate of Thomas percolated over the weekend with reports that the Chiefs are among teams in expressing interest in acquiring the 29-year-old safety. Thomas and the Seahawks appear at an impasse, with the player desiring a contract extension and the team unwilling to make the commitment right now.
The Chiefs seem a logical fit for Thomas. Kansas City remains without safety Eric Berry, who has missed the first three games of the season with a sore heel. They are also without veteran Daniel Sorensen, who will miss at least half the season with a tibial plateau fracture.
Thomas is in the final year of a four-year, $40 million contact extension signed in 2014. If traded, Thomas carries cap hit of $8.5 million prorated based on the number of games remaining in the season.
Reid suggests the Chiefs don't have any irons in the fire as yet regarding bringing Thomas to Kansas City.
"But right now we don't have anything and that's not where we're at," Reid said. "I know the rumors out there but that's not where we're at."
Reid, however, isn't opposed to making an in-season acquisition if it's the right fit. He recalled the 1996 season when he served as an assistant in Green Bay. The Packers stood 8-3 in Week 12 when they acquired wide receiver Andre Rison. The club won eight straight games finishing the season, including a Super Bowl championship.
"It kind of showed me how those kind of things work at this level," Reid said, "and so I've always kept my eyes open for that and been OK with that, I've been open to that."
But he acknowledge the ultimate decision lies with general manager Brett Veach. He trusts Veach to determine if any new player's personality fits with the team's locker room chemistry.
"When I was making those decision I was open to it and I have full trust in Brett if he decides whoever that person is," Reid said.
