Adalius Thomas: Anything new?
 

I am impressed with him at LB (and periodically DE and S) and having searched the forum know that many of you are, too. However, it's been a couple of months since his name has surfaced.

He is a physical specimen size and speed-wise and very versatile. He is 29, and a "young" one at that as his first couple of years were mostly on ST. First-time PB'er this year, yet still under the radar to many.

I'm curious:

A) Any news from the Ravens? Franchised, offers, etc.
B) Is this is a prime Colvin-like answer to the LB position. A calculated big $ FA splash to reinvigorate NE's LB plans that confound so many fans.
C) Well, I'm curious about everything there is about this possibility, so I look forward to responses.

Re: Adalius Thomas: Anything new?
 

There is, IMO, no way whatsoever the Ravens let this guy get away. I think we need to move off of this idea. Pats have no shot at landing him, as much as we'd all like to.

Re: Adalius Thomas: Anything new?
 

With Lewis getting long in the tooth, AD is considered his replacement. Doubtful the Ravens would let him get away.

Re: Adalius Thomas: Anything new?
 

The Pats (like every other team, I understand that) should have taken AT in the 5th round of the 2000 draft, instead of Dave Stachelski and Jeff Marriott. He wouldn't have been a reach with their 4th round pick, either.

Anyway, the Ravens may franchise him; but if he hits the open market, I would be calling him personally at 12:01 am.

Re: Adalius Thomas: Anything new?
 

There was a national-news article mid-season reporting that talks had broken down between Thomas and the Ravens and that he'd be testing the free agent market. I was surprised but the tone of the article seemed that he wouldn't be franchised.

Re: Adalius Thomas: Anything new?
 

I hope you're right, but the article that ran in ESPN the Mag a few weeks ago made it seem pretty clear that the guy is right up there with the most valuable members of the team. I expect they're posturing for now and will get it done when push comes to shove. Hope I'm wrong - he is EXACTLY who we should sign.

Re: Adalius Thomas: Anything new?
 

Balt has traditionally made it point to slightly "overpay" to retain such players and has even had players accept less to stay (Bart Scott last year). AT is no secret to them and they have no other UFAs that are as important as he, thus the franchise tag, although yet to occur, is a distinct likelihood. Furthermore, AT appears to be firmly entrenched in the community via charities, radio show, etc.

That said, their cap status (as opposed to previous years) lies in the bottom third of the league and a shift has occurred to bolster the offense (McNair ain't cheap, Mason, etc). Like Denver with RB's, Balt has long been an assembly line for LB. They have 2-3 promising LBs in the hold, notably young Dan Cody (who has been oft-injured) but a 1st-rounder they scouped in the 2nd.

The Pats are close to flush cap-wise, considering their personnel circumstances. Both lines are locked up at least 80%. Offensive skill positions are in good shape minus a good receiver (Jackson progress?). Defensive backs, good ones, easily transition from the college game to be impact players and there are plenty in this years defense-laden draft, particular with 3 picks in the first 2 rounds.

LB is akin to QB of defense. AT has been used at LB, DE, S, and even at CB (at 270 lbs, 4.5 40 time). In fact, the grumblings of Ravens fans, beyond why he hasn't been franchised or re-signed yet, is HOW do they franchise him?

He is reported to want to win as much as he wants to be paid. NE can offer both, perhaps better than Balt. Signing AT would shore up LB, allowing DB and WR to be addressed via the draft. With ~$30M open for 2007, say $15 goes to AT and Samuel, Graham elsewhere, and $5 for rookies, that still leaves $10 for FAs, season maintenance,etc. These numbers are arbitrary, but it absolutely allows for a big offer.

Re: Adalius Thomas: Anything new?
 

This may be blasphemy, but as the Belipioli regime has been a geiger counter for DL, perhaps their weakness lies in LB scouting/development. Despite some late-round promise (Woods) and seemingly inoculous pick-ups (Vrabel), they prefer to allow the NFL to act as a finishing school for LB. Once players emerge, they then make a push for outstanding students from pedigreed schools a la Colvin from Chicago. In this regard, AT is a gift-wrapped valedictorian.

Re: Adalius Thomas: Anything new?
 

I still doubt we get him, but I like the way you're thinking. In fact, if there was ONE FA we could get over the next few years, Adalius Thomas would be it.

Re: Adalius Thomas: Anything new?
 

Loved this post.
Well though out,articulate(unlike me at times).
Very well worded(should be set to music).
Don't see us getting AT but we can dream.