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He'd fit perfectly in New England. Old.
Source: Dolphins to release Zach Thomas
By TIM REYNOLDS, AP Sports Writer
February 14, 2008
MIAMI (AP) -- The Miami Dolphins will release seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas, who plans to continue his career with another team.
Thomas was told of the team's decision Thursday, a person close to the player said on condition of anonymity because the Dolphins have not announced anything.
The decision was first reported on local newspaper Web sites. The Dolphins declined comment.
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The 34-year-old Thomas missed most of last season because of concussions and migraines and was placed on injured reserve against his wishes in December because of nagging migraines, an aftereffect of an Oct. 21 car crash.
The move is the second major salary slash this week by the Dolphins, who went 1-15 last season and subsequently brought in Bill Parcells to lead the team's rebuilding project.
Miami trimmed about $9 million in 2008 base salary on Monday, when it parted ways with quarterback Trent Green, wide receiver Marty Booker and seven other players. Thomas was slated to make just over $5.6 million in base salary this coming season.
Thomas was the 154th player chosen in the 1996 draft, and many observers didn't give the 5-foot-11 player from Texas Tech much chance of making the Miami roster.
From there, he only wound up one of the best linebackers in Dolphins history.
Thomas led the Dolphins in tackles 10 times, is the franchise's all-time leader in that category by a wide margin, and his 168 games is the most by any Miami defensive player.
He was remarkably durable in his first 11 seasons, missing only 13 games, and recorded a career-best 165 tackles in 2006 -- an indication he wasn't exactly slowing down.
But Thomas missed two games in September this season because of a concussion, and on Oct. 21, he took another hard shot off the field. Thomas had eight tackles in Miami's 49-28 loss to the New England Patriots, and as he and his wife drove home that day, their vehicle was rear-ended on Florida's Turnpike.
Originally, the Dolphins said Thomas was uninjured in that crash. But he experienced numerous migraines following that wreck, and never got back on the field in 2007.
He was inactive for the next seven games before the Dolphins put him on injured reserve, officially ending his season and sparking widespread speculation that his time with Miami could be drawing to a close.
A week ago, new Dolphins coach Tony Sparano said no decisions had been made about Thomas' status for 2008.
"We're doing what we have to do," Sparano said on Feb. 7 when asked about Thomas' future.
Updated on Thursday, Feb 14, 2008 2:29 pm, EST
He'd fit perfectly in New England. Old.
Also a cheater. Used info from a stolen playbook to kick the Patriots' ass in 2006.
Sign him up Belichick.
I am a huge Dolphins/Thomas fan, but no reason to pay for a player recovering from concussions 6+ mil..I am very curious to see where all this extra $ will be spent the rest of the off-season.
wow, you are a ing idiot
blame that on Saban not Thomas
i have a big feeling The pats will sign him
Thomas would be a perfect fit and a great mentor for the young Chargers ILB's. And they've got the cap to sign him. Brandon Siler and Anthony Waters are going to surprise people next year, much like Cromartie.
Same here.
it wont happen
he hates the pats and jets with passion
probably end up with the colts or chargers
Wouldn't be surprised if Chris Chambers gave him a call.
i don't think the patsies want to get older
if he wants a ring, go to a team that has a chance to win like the colts, chargers, giants
patsies won't cheat anymore so they're going to suck
Rumors are that the cowboys want him.
From si.com:
Cut Dolphin wants to play for...
Posted: Friday February 15, 2008 05:51AM ET
Zach Thomas welcomed the news the Dolphins terminated his contract Thursday, ending a dozen decorated but frustrating seasons in Miami. Thomas met with Miami football czar Bill Parcells and general manager Jeff Ireland on Thursday morning, at which time he actually thanked them for releasing him. Agent Drew Rosenhaus said he got several calls from teams interested in Thomas within hours of the player's release. The agent would not disclose what teams had called but did admit he's got a list of teams Thomas would be interested in playing for. Among those are Dallas, New England, Indianapolis and San Diego.
Miami Herald
He wouldn't be a bad fit at all in Dallas.
I would rather not have an undersized old linebacker playing in their 3-4. Besides, who is he going to replace? The last thing the Boys need is linebackers.
He's finished. Whether he signs with another team, we'll see. His next big hit, he won't wake up for a week.
Dexter Coakley and Dat Nguyen did pretty damn good for being undersized LBs.
In a totally different defense though.
That being said, the Cowboys need corners and safeties.
I'd love to see the Boys pick him up. , an old, slow linebacker not able to perform on a one win team any longer. I'd laugh my ass off.
you don't know about the nfl
yes he is old but he is better than all the lbs that the cowboys have
he won the mvp award for linebackers last year
only reason he was out for the season was due to a car accident
smartest linebacker in the history of the nfl, he is everywhere
reason fins sucked at d this year was because we were missing zach
really hate to see this guy go
im sure the boys can get him cheaper and not hurt there cap
We'll trade you Tim Jennings for Demarcus Ware or Newman
Honestly if Thomas wants to play in Indy I wouldn't be opposed to it, but Thomas is better against the run than against the pass. IMO in his prime he was right up there with Ray Lewis and Derrick Brooks but I'm not so sure now. Colts need pass rushers as top priority, getting Freeney and McFarland healthy and rehabbed should be #1 on their list, and if their highest draft picks are used for positions other that D line or guard of Scott/Lilja leave, I will be pissed. New England would be a good fit for him since they obviously have no problem with forcing a player to play through concussions and what not.
Thomas hasn't been good in a couple of years.
Indy ought to go for another receiver as well. Harrison isnt getting any younger and his health is a concern. They need someone to take the pressure of the Wayne. Mannings other wideouts let him down and they could use a solid #2 guy. Harrison is a #3 guy now. Maybe Randy Moss?
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