Bills Interested in former Dolphins LB Thomas

by Brian Galliford on Feb 17, 2008 2:24 PM EST in Buffalo Bills News

Where could Thomas fit in with Buffalo? (Richard C. Lewis/Icon SMI)

Adam Schefter of NFL.com is reporting that former Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas - currently an unrestricted free agent - has many suitors. One of those suitors is, apparently, the Buffalo Bills.

Reports surfaced earlier this weekend that the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints were interested in bringing Thomas in for a visit; now, Schefter adds the Bills and Jets to the list of teams interested in visiting with the veteran tackling machine.

A 12-year veteran who will be 35 years old at the start of the 2008 NFL season, Thomas has been one of the most productive middle linebackers in the entire league since his rookie year of 1996 (157 tackles). He has anchored, along with former teammate Jason Taylor, several dominant Dolphins defenses, and is widely regarded as one of the best linebackers of his generation. Clearly, his pedigree, consistency (he only has two seasons with less than 100 tackles) and leadership skills make him an attractive free agent prospect.

Where Could Thomas Fit In?
Thomas has spent his entire career as a middle linebacker - a position the Bills addressed in the '07 draft with the addition of Paul Posluszny. However, Posluszny was at his most productive as a dominant college player when playing outside linebacker at Penn State. The young linebacker made it through just three games in his rookie season before being placed on Injured Reserve with a broken forearm. Is it possible that the Bills are looking to shift Posluszny back outside?

Thomas is an all-around linebacker. In addition to his 1,642 tackles, Thomas has accumulated 19.5 career sacks, forced 15 fumbles and nabbed 17 interceptions. At 5'11" and 228 pounds, size has always been a question mark for Thomas; in Buffalo's Cover-2 defense, however, size is not nearly as important as speed. Is it out of the question to think that Thomas could assume the starting weak side position, where his coverage skills would be tested, but his prowess in the run game would be a huge help?

One thing is clear: the incredible leadership that Thomas brings to an organization would do wonders for two of Buffalo's top young defenders, Posluszny and Angelo Crowell. The effect of having Thomas on this roster, tutoring those two players, may be worth experimenting with Posluszny's position (or Thomas', for that matter). Thomas will need to prove he can overcome an injury that limited him to five games last season; prior to that, however, Thomas had never missed more than five games in a season.

Should Thomas visit with Buffalo, it could invoke a moment of nostalgia for Bills fans. Former Bills running back (and current Hall of Famer) Thurman Thomas finished his career as a Dolphin; it would only be fitting, then, that Thomas - a staple in recent Dolphins lore - finish his career as a Bill.

Thoughts on this Schefter report?

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Thomas as WLB

I understand that Zach has played the MLB position all of his career, but we have a MLB that is going to be here for the long hall and to switch Poz to WLB for 2 or 3 years does not make sense to me. Have Zach switch to WLB and tutor Poz on the MLB position. I don't think that Thomas will warrant huge $$$ and this would allow us to pursue other positions in the draft. I could easily see us getting Crumpler and Thomas in FA, then drafting guys who will be mentored by them. This would also allow us to go after a DT, DE, CB or WR in the first three rounds. I would love Thomas to come here for 2-3 years. Adding two vets to our team... one on offense and one on defense would be HUGE. Forget Corey Williams, lets get Crumpler and Thomas in Buffalo and have another great draft!!!

I know I just jumbled a bunch of thoughts together, but this would be great.

by hilliarddavid on Feb 17, 2008 2:35 PM EST reply actions

It is never a bad thing

To sign a player from a division rival, and Zack Thomas has been one hell of a player through his career, but he is going to be 35 and missed most of last year with an injury. However he would without a doubt add some leadership to our young D and could definitely help tutor Poz. And would even at age 35 provide an immediate upgrade over Ellison. My only question would be does he still have the range to play WLB because I think Poz needs to stay in the middle. I would rather add a guy like Rivers, Highsmith, or Adibi in the first round or two of the draft, but I wouldn't mind signing Thomas for like two years and drafting his replacement in the mid rounds this year.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 17, 2008 2:52 PM EST reply actions

Exactly

If you can bring in good football players, it allows you to draft smarter. Thomas seems good for another 2-3 years, and the effects he can have on Crowell/Posluszny more than make up for his being 35 years old, in my mind. We can't break the bank for a guy like Thomas, but there's no denying he'd help us out in a lot of ways.

Agree he should play outside too. I'd even be down with his being a situational player, i.e. run downs, and letting Crowell/Poz be the 'backers in nickel situations.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 17, 2008 3:27 PM EST up reply actions

What would be the point?

How much of an improvement would he provide the D? What's the chances of him actually playing a full season? Why would we risk signing him knowing how likely it is he'd be injured or not cleared to play at any given time?

We need a guy who will be a true impact and not an injury risk.

by Kurupt on Feb 17, 2008 3:19 PM EST reply actions

How likely is it?

Keep in mind that Thomas' injury last year stemmed from a freak car accident; he's never had an overly serious injury that's football-related, as far as I have been able to find. He's been very durable throughout his career, and in a statement he made the day he was released, he said he was fully healthy and ready to go for '08.

How likely is it that he's cleared and ready to play next season? Very likely, I'd say. I don't see potentially signing Thomas as a risk at all. And he's good enough against the run to be an impact defender - he's proven that over 1600 times in his career.

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by Brian Galliford on Feb 17, 2008 3:25 PM EST up reply actions

How much of an improvement?

I think that is ridiculous he would be an immediate upgrade at WLB over Ellison, and would provide fire and veteran leadership that this young defense lacks. Besides last year he has not missed more than five games in a season ever. So I don't know how much of an injury risk he really is. Like I said I would much rather see us target one in the first couple of rounds in the draft, but this could be a high reward signing IMO.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 17, 2008 3:32 PM EST up reply actions

No Way

First let me say I would love to have this guy in Buffalo. He had 52 tackles and a sack in his five games last year, so he was still productive when he played. But I just don't see why Thomas would want to sign with Buffalo. There is no way he would agree to switching positions or being a part-time player. Don't soon to be 35 year old players sign with super bowl contenders? I would be surprised if Thomas didn't sign with Dallas, New England or San Diego. All three teams have a bigger need at MLB and will make a run at the super bowl next season. Here is a Thomas quote:

""It has to be a winning team first," he said. "I've got to fit the scheme. I'm looking at a team with a group of good guys. I'm looking at the place because I will be living there. And I'm looking to see what their quarterback situation is because you need a good quarterback and a good offense to win."

by kaisertown on Feb 17, 2008 3:35 PM EST reply actions

Certainly...

... that's a factor. The fact that Dallas jumped in immediately speaks volumes to his value as a free agent. I think Dallas is the obvious front-runner, but no other "contender" has jumped in yet, and why wouldn't Thomas sign with the Bills over the Jets? New Orleans may have an edge with Brees, too...

Create a free account to join in the discussion, Bills fans!

by Brian Galliford on Feb 17, 2008 3:39 PM EST up reply actions

Dallas would seem to make sense

didn't he go to school at Texas Tech? And perhaps N.O. as well because of Brees like you said, but I think one thing the Bills may have going is that Thomas is very familiar with the Bills and playing in Buffalo, and who knows what he thinks about our level of talent and as we have all said before players do like DJ. And we were very aggressive with the players we targeted last year, so who knows.

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 17, 2008 3:56 PM EST up reply actions

agree

The first thing I thought when I saw the Bills' interest was that I can't see why he would come here. Regardless of the position change, he wants to win and we haven't been to the playoffs in almost a decade. Even if we think the Bills are going in the right direction, that is very difficult to sell to a player with a two or three year window. Money might matter, but the Bills aren't going to pay a lot more than somebody else, and I bet Thomas is looking at winning as much as money.

As somebody else mentioned, I wouldn't be surprised if he ended up in NE, SD, or Dallas. With all that negativity out of the way, I have always admired Thomas' professionalism, toughness, and ability. He is one of few Dolphins that I don't really detest.

by jmorris0823 on Feb 17, 2008 5:32 PM EST up reply actions

ha

I moved from Buffalo nine years ago and I still naturally refer to it as "here". I guess it never gets out of the blood.

by jmorris0823 on Feb 17, 2008 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

Hopefully brother...

It never will. You're always welcome to come back my friend...

by krytime on Feb 17, 2008 7:46 PM EST up reply actions

Zach Thomas is in no way shap or form

a fit for the Bills organization. He doesn't fit the scheme or the demographic. He's a slower version of london fletcher, he's not fast enough for the cover-2. We already have too many guys who don't fit our scheme (chris kelsay, ryan denney, and even angelo crowell and poz). Also, thomas is not exactly a srping chicken (duh). The only way i see the Bills seriously interested in him is if he will come cheap and willing to take limited snaps. he can make more $$$ and play more and probably win more at a lot of other places. i'm not a big fan of stop-gap signings, either.

"I don't agree with a damn thing you say, but I would die for your right to say it."

by ForeignArrow on Feb 17, 2008 6:18 PM EST reply actions

Your first couple of sentences..

I was reading your post, and I agreed, then agreed again, agreed two more times, and then agreed again. Five "agrees" in three sentences.

Then I got to the "too many guys who don't fit our scheme (chris kelsay, ryan denney, and even angelo crowell and poz)" bit. I was confused a little.

Maybe this should be set aside for a future diary by you, but in any event, I'd like to hear why you think like so. Are there any others that don't fit? These are things that need to be addressed before you begin acquiring players in the offseason. Maybe we should discuss this whole "players who don't fit the scheme" theme...

Back to Thomas. I think he was a great player...five years ago, if not more. If he was here from day one of his career, chances are he'd be a Buffalo legend. But that's not how the story played out.

It'd be a mistake by this regime to bring in Thomas. Judging a player by tackles made is just stupid. Honestly, ask yourself [not you ForeignArrow] - when was the last time we faced Miami, and you were really 'scared' of Zach Thomas? Hasn't happened in a long time if you ask me...

The only role I could ever see for him here is as a LB coach.

by krytime on Feb 17, 2008 8:04 PM EST reply actions

I don't understand

why we'd want an undersized, aged MLB again after releasing the same last offseason. Fletcher had a pro bowl caliber year in his last season with us and we still let him go, so why would we pursue a slower, older version of him? GREAT player, just past his time.

Hopefully this is nothing more than blowing smoke unless Thomas is willing to be a role player rather than a starter.

by Kumario! on Feb 17, 2008 8:37 PM EST reply actions

I don't think Thomas is the answer,

he is old, but very worthy. However, he will cost a lot of money. I still believe that the two best FA acquisitions would be William at DT and a WR (I am not sure of the order, but Willaims (1), Johnson (2), Hackett, Booker, and Carter. I think that Booker might be the best available. I also think that acquiring any of them puts us in the position to pick a WR anywhere in the first four picks. Get a DT like Williams from Green Bay. Use the #1 and #2 on a LB and WR, then use the two #3's on a TE and CB. From the fourth on build depth.

by btk0930 on Feb 17, 2008 9:18 PM EST reply actions

Guys like Seau and Bruschi

Thomas fits into the same mold as Bruschi and Seau, He could be a nice role player.

I would just have a problem rooting for a guy I have rooted against for so long. It would be like the Bills acquiring Tom Brady.

Man do I miss #78

by sireric on Feb 17, 2008 9:37 PM EST reply actions

Right

My biggest question when I was wondering if I would like him is if I could bring myself to root for him. He opitimizes the Dolphins over the last 10 years he is the enemy, but it is a business and he can still play without a doubt in my mind so I am actually even if initially hesitant very pro signing Thomas

Playoff Bound in '08!

by SP @ Buffalo Rumblings on Feb 17, 2008 10:06 PM EST reply actions

I agree with you sireric

but, he will cost a lot of money. I am thinking of like 5 or 6 million per year, even at his age and being cut. It would add a lot of value, experience, depth, expertise, wisdom etc. to our defense and LB corp's, but my question is it worth it? It will be a steep price tag and the Bills pay, but not heavy. Even what they spent on DE, it is a lot, but others have spent much more. I like him, but I just don't see the financial value, I do see the professional value.

by btk0930 on Feb 17, 2008 10:08 PM EST reply actions