Zach Thomas to be released [mergedx2]

[TeamPats]

Accordingly to Jay Glazer of Fox Sports. It almost seems too obvious to sign him:

http://nmsn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7797362/Dolphins-to-release-7-time-Pro-Bowler-Thomas

 

[mrbandw]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

Great player but will be 35 in Sept. The Pats could use an infusion of younger players at LB. Still would not mind seeing Thomas in a Pats uni for a one year deal with incentives though.

 

[LoganMankinsPancakeBlocks]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

Nice, sign him up for a 1 year deal and a chance at a ring.

Then deal our 2nd or Oakland's 3rd rounder for Jason Taylor to play OLB and force Dolphins fans into seeing Welker tear them up for 14 catches, 125 yards and one TD per game against them, as well as watching Thomas averaging 10 tackles vs. them and Taylor averaging 2 sacks a game against them in a Patriots uniform!

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

I like Zach Thomas and think that he could be effective in rotation in the Pats defense. However, he has to pass a physical and the Patriots are going to be extremely cautious because Thomas missed quite a few games because of Post Concussion Syndrome.

If Thomas can pass the physical, including the neurological exam, then great. Sign him up.

 

[fumbrunner]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

Geez people, we need to get younger at LB. I would pass on both Thomas and Taylor.

 

[signbabybrady]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

He is not the answer by any means but he could certainly fill a role.

He might actually have more injury issues than Dan Morgan who has been sugested on another thread.

These guys are really talented players but if they are not healthy than it is worth nothing which is why you might get one of them cheap. And the cheap talented Veteran has been a cornerstone of this team. It is how they keep so much talent. Everyone spends good money on good young talent but the Patriots success IMO has been built on their ability to squeeze extra years out of aging vets.

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

Geez people, we need to get younger at LB. I would pass on both Thomas and Taylor.

No, the Patriots need to get faster and more athletic at LB. Thomas brings that, if he's healthy. As does Taylor. '

That being said, bringing him in on a 1 year deal doesn't hurt this team.

 

[mike100915]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

Perfect Fit. I've always been a big Zach Thomas fan, but he may retire. if I remember correctly he does have a severe concussion problem which may result in him just tying them up. If he doesn't I would love to see him playing here.

 

[fumbrunner]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

No, the Patriots need to get faster and more athletic at LB. Thomas brings that, if he's healthy. As does Taylor. '

That being said, bringing him in on a 1 year deal doesn't hurt this team.

I would argue that we need to get faster, more athletic and YOUNGER (NOT A ROOKIE, SHEESH). We have two on the verge of retirement. It's time to look to the future and reinforce the LB area for a few years, not one-offs with one year contracts.

 

[DarrylS]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

I dunno, feel the same as I do about Dan Morgan.. after Ted Johnson not sure this team wants to get involved with another post concussion syndrome case. OTOH, we do not seem to be a "high" incidence of concussion team, maybe it has to do with those ortho teeth protectors they wear.. this technology might extend his career.

He might be a good "bridge" player if #54 and #55 retire, and we draft some youngun's.

 

[signbabybrady]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

I would argue that we need to get faster, more athletic and YOUNGER. We have two on the verge of retirement. It's time to look to the future and reinforce the LB area for a few years, not one-offs with one year contracts.

Keep beating your head against the wall....

while I agree it would be nice to get a talented young LB it would seem as though it is not part of their philosophy for the position. They like a Veteran who has seen it all and done it all and can wory more about everyone else responsibility more than his own.

 

[BradyManny]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

If he can pass a physical, this is a no brainer - this is exactly the kind of signing BB likes. Vets for a decent price.

 

[fumbrunner]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

Keep beating your head against the wall....

while I agree it would be nice to get a talented young LB it would seem as though it is not part of their philosophy for the position. They like a Veteran who has seen it all and done it all and can wory more about everyone else responsibility more than his own.

I'm not talking about inserting a rookie in there. But with two players either retiring or one year away, we need veterans but in the 28-30 age group. We need some continuity in there.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

Technically, going from Seau to Thomas is getting younger. Just saying

My take on this is that they should draft an ILB in the 3rd-5th round, maybe more than one, and while he's developing and learning the system, Zach Thomas on a 1-2 year contract is a pretty decent stopgap.

 

[dhamz]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

Geez people, we need to get younger at LB. I would pass on both Thomas and Taylor.

Is there some NFL rule that says we can't sign Thomas and bring in a young LB or 2 as well?

Since we carry a ton of LBs on the roster each year I see no reason why we can't do both.

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

I'm not talking about inserting a rookie in there. But with two players either retiring or one year away, we need veterans but in the 28-30 age group. We need some continuity in there.

You do realize that the Pats could sign Thomas and STILL sign younger LBs also, right? Or do you think that its something that is mutually exclusive?

No one is saying NOT to sign players in the 28-30 range. However, there are very few of those players available who have the potential to fit into the Pats schemes. Some of the ones mentioned are Karlos Dansby (expected to be franchised), Terrell Suggs (also expected to be franchised), Carlos Pace. Can you name some others? Please do so and explain how their skills fit what the Pats need.

 

[mdhprime]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

I have a lot of respect for Thomas. He is a great player who plagued the Patriots for years, but he falls into the Dan Morgan category...too many hits to the head. The guy had a migraine all season! Time to hang it up for health reasons.

 

[fumbrunner]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

You do realize that the Pats could sign Thomas and STILL sign younger LBs also, right? Or do you think that its something that is mutually exclusive?

No one is saying NOT to sign players in the 28-30 range. However, there are very few of those players available who have the potential to fit into the Pats schemes. Some of the ones mentioned are Karlos Dansby (expected to be franchised), Terrell Suggs (also expected to be franchised), Carlos Pace. Can you name some others? Please do so and explain how their skills fit what the Pats need.

Well, as I stated in other threads, I think they need to go after Pace. Big guy, similar to AD's size. Would be a perfect compliment to Rosie and Vrabel on the outside, with AD, Seau and Vrabel on the inside.

I would rather go after Morgan than Thomas as well. If you are going to take a risk on a Concussion-proned player, might as well go with the one with more upside.

 

[fumbrunner]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

Is there some NFL rule that says we can't sign Thomas and bring in a young LB or 2 as well?

Since we carry a ton of LBs on the roster each year I see no reason why we can't do both.

Its called a Salary Cap, and we are awfully close to its limit.

 

[Crazyeechrispats1]

Re: Zach Thomas to be Cut

Sign both Morgan, and Thomas trade for taylor, cut Larry izzo, Eric Alexander, oscar lua, draft vernon Gholston, in the first, dan connor in the second, ezra butler in the third would never happen but then linebacker would be fixed.