Drake

Thomas

Thomas was set to enter free agency next week. The deal has an $8 million base salary with a chance to make up to $9 million. Thomas, 26, has developed into a capable defender since signing on with the Seahawks as an undrafted free agent in 2023. He totaled 62 solo tackles, eight TFLs, one interception, seven forced incompletions, 15 quarterback pressures and three sacks in the 2025 regular season.

Thomas (5’11/223) was an elite producer over his final two seasons at NC State, totaling 200 tackles, 32.5 TFLs, 13.5 sacks, and three interceptions during this span. His production profile was undercut by a pedestrian, 6.3 RAS at the combine. The lack of size and athleticism will greatly hamper Thomas at the next level, possibly relegating him to special teams duties in the NFL.

The last thing that NC State needed heading into this matchup was to be without key starters on either side of the football. The Wolfpack will be down four defensive starters, a list that includes players who rank first (Wilson), fourth (Thomas) and ninth (Ingle) on the team in total tackles. Three of the four have started at least ten games this season, with Ingle (seven) being the exception.