Now I am not saying this will happen or not. But this is just a possibility though some of you will write this off right away.
I am not saying this is the plan remember.
Let's say Crowder starts and plays awesome and shows alot of promise.
We already know no one expects anything out of us. Saban might be realizing we aren't a true contender. I think we will be, but Saban is probably more realistic. With that said.....
There are a couple teams like GB who might be in need of Thomas's services. He could still warrant maybe a 3rd especially if it's to a team expecting to make the Playoffs.
Reasons why it would work is simply the Thomas and Bates factor and GB needs help at LB'ER.
Only reason this is an option is because Saban might realize that Thomas will probably not be a part of this team in 3 years or som wehn we might be truly competitve, so it would be wise to get compensation while he can.
Who knows? I don't think this move is significant in anyway. I think it is just the fact that Thomas is hurt. But Crowder has been impressing and if he plays solid again it might get Saban's wheels turning.