Pats agree to terms with OLB Adalius Thomas (1 Viewer)

[Boston]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writ...rade/index.html

• Where will the biggest of the free-agent names end up? Sources I talked to Thursday said not to discount linebacker Adalius Thomas winding up with New England -- despite an expected price tag that could approach $9 million per season. While many anticipate Thomas being reunited with former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Nolan in San Francisco, some within the league said the 49ers won't necessarily make a strong push for him.

This would not be a big surprise. BB's D is built around the LBs and it's also a D where you need very specific qualities (which are hard to find) to play in it. It's also a D that is very difficult for any rookie to be expected to contribute right away. Add that in to the fact they need a serious upgrade at LB and the fact that Brady turns 30 this year (i.e. they probably have about a 5 year window to add more titles) and adding a stud like Thomas makes sense. There's no player available who could help the Pats more. Not even close. Adding Thomas (with Samuel returning) and a a few other pieces via the draft and free agency and the Pats could have an absolutely dominating defense.

All that being said I'm still a little skeptical about the Pats going to the wall for the type of money Thomas will demand. They have the cap space but that's a pretty crazy committment. They did it with Colvin in 02 but the cap has really changed and this season it's a player's market. Therefore I'd say the Pats will be in the mix here but are far from a lock because there are so many teams capable of spending big money this offseason.

 

[PatsWillWin]

:(

 

[PatsWillWin]

Wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Joey Porter either.

 

[Godsbrother]

Wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Joey Porter either.

:( BB has a way of taking Pittsburgh leftovers and when he does it usually comes back to haunt the Steelers and the rest of the AFC.

 

[Nigel]

I just hears Adam Schefter on WEEI saying that Thomas to the Pats is a near lock.

 

[The Shizzle]

I just hears Adam Schefter on WEEI saying that Thomas to the Pats is a near lock.

 

[Workhorse]

Wow. Talk about an impact signing for the Pats. Thomas would be a wrecking crew on that defense.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Joey Porter either.

BB has a way of taking Pittsburgh leftovers and when he does it usually comes back to haunt the Steelers and the rest of the AFC.

I can't think of anyone but Vrabel and maybe Hank Poteat?

 

[billyjoe]

Wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Joey Porter either.

BB has a way of taking Pittsburgh leftovers and when he does it usually comes back to haunt the Steelers and the rest of the AFC.

I can't think of anyone but Vrabel and maybe Hank Poteat?

Get your dirty facts outta here!

 

[Chase Stuart]

Wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Joey Porter either.

BB has a way of taking Pittsburgh leftovers and when he does it usually comes back to haunt the Steelers and the rest of the AFC.

I can't think of anyone but Vrabel and maybe Hank Poteat?

Get your dirty facts outta here!

It's pretty early in the morning. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone.

 

[RedRaiders]

He's in SF this morning

Thomas to visit Friday; Clements contacted

Thursday, March 1, 2007 at 23:14:30 PT - Printer-friendly version

Source: 49erswebzone.com

According to ESPN, once midnight hit on the east coast, the 49ers were one of the more aggressive teams at setting up Friday visits for free agents. They have confirmed that the 49ers are expecting a visit from linebacker Adalius Thomas, which was expected.

 

[Godsbrother]

Wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Joey Porter either.

BB has a way of taking Pittsburgh leftovers and when he does it usually comes back to haunt the Steelers and the rest of the AFC.

I can't think of anyone but Vrabel and maybe Hank Poteat?

Get your dirty facts outta here!

It's pretty early in the morning. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone.

As it turns out not as many as it seems. Here are former Steelers that have played for the Patriots in the past 5 years:Mike Vrabel, Hank Poteat, Chad Scott, Chad Brown, Chidi Iwuoma, Josh Miller, Jim Miller, Amos Zereoue, Charles Johnson

 

[Kit Fisto]

Adam Schefter was on WEEI this morning and he said Thomas to the Patriots was a done deal, and that there'll be another big signing coming too.

He said that everyone expects BB/Pioli to follow status quo and sign just the "value" guys, but he said NO, the Pats are making a splash this year.

I can't wait!

 

[Workhorse]

Adam Schefter was on WEEI this morning and he said Thomas to the Patriots was a done deal, and that there'll be another big signing coming too. He said that everyone expects BB/Pioli to follow status quo and sign just the "value" guys, but he said NO, the Pats are making a splash this year.I can't wait!

There are rumors floating around about the Pats persuing Lance Briggs too.

 

[Chase Stuart]

Wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Joey Porter either.

BB has a way of taking Pittsburgh leftovers and when he does it usually comes back to haunt the Steelers and the rest of the AFC.

I can't think of anyone but Vrabel and maybe Hank Poteat?

Get your dirty facts outta here!

It's pretty early in the morning. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone.

As it turns out not as many as it seems. Here are former Steelers that have played for the Patriots in the past 5 years:Mike Vrabel, Hank Poteat, Chad Scott, Chad Brown, Chidi Iwuoma, Josh Miller, Jim Miller, Amos Zereoue, Charles Johnson

Thanks, but I don't think I'd call Iwuoma, Miller, Miller, Zereoue or Johnson an impact signing. I can't remember how Scott did, but I think Poteat did well in the '04 playoffs. Obviously Vrabel's been a terrific signing.

 

[JohnnyU]

As a Colts fan I sure hope this doesn't happen. They can have Joey Porter, but not Thomas, pleeeeese !!!

 

[Workhorse]

According to Don Banks, it's going to be either the Pats or the Niners:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writ...ency/index.html

 

[5Rings]

I just hears Adam Schefter on WEEI saying that Thomas to the Pats is a near lock.

This is going to be fun. I've been hearing from Santa Clara that Thomas is a lock for SF....and supposedly he's there visiting and they don't plan to let him leave without a contract in hand.I love this time of year (now that SF has cap room )

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Adam Schefter was on WEEI this morning and he said Thomas to the Patriots was a done deal, and that there'll be another big signing coming too. He said that everyone expects BB/Pioli to follow status quo and sign just the "value" guys, but he said NO, the Pats are making a splash this year.I can't wait!

I am freaking giddy over this.GIDDY !!! Thomas in the defensive backfiedfor New England is a sick sick thing.

 

[derek19]

Adam Schefter was on WEEI this morning and he said Thomas to the Patriots was a done deal, and that there'll be another big signing coming too.

He said that everyone expects BB/Pioli to follow status quo and sign just the "value" guys, but he said NO, the Pats are making a splash this year.

I can't wait!

I am freaking giddy over this.GIDDY !!!

Thomas in the defensive backfied

for San Fran is a sick sick thing.

Fixed!!!!!!!!

 

[Workhorse]

It will come down to whether Thomas wants to make the maximum amount possible or whether he wants to make very good money and win championships.

 

[5Rings]

It will come down to whether Thomas wants to make the maximum amount possible or whether he wants to make very good money and win championships.

I'm hoping he's a greedy SOB

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Adam Schefter was on WEEI this morning and he said Thomas to the Patriots was a done deal, and that there'll be another big signing coming too.

He said that everyone expects BB/Pioli to follow status quo and sign just the "value" guys, but he said NO, the Pats are making a splash this year.

I can't wait!

I am freaking giddy over this.GIDDY !!!

Thomas in the defensive backfied

for San Fran is a sick sick thing.

HEY,I've been misquoted.



Fixed!!!!!!!!

 

[The_Man]

As a Ravens fan, I'll say that Thomas would be much more successful in New England. It's not that Thomas does anything exceptionally well -- it's that he does everything very well. The Pats will scheme -- like the Ravens did -- to get Thomas in position to make plays and to use his versatility to mask what they're doing and let other players make plays.

In SF, he would be expected to be a high-impact Shawn Merriman type, and that's not what he does best.

 

[Workhorse]

I wonder if Belichick started his recruitment of Thomas at the Pro Bowl.

 

[The_Man]

I wonder if Belichick started his recruitment of Thomas at the Pro Bowl.

Of course not. That would be tampering. And we know from his treatment of Mangini that the great and good Bill Belichick would never do anything like that.

 

[Mungo Burrows]

As a Ravens fan, I'll say that Thomas would be much more successful in New England. It's not that Thomas does anything exceptionally well -- it's that he does everything very well. The Pats will scheme -- like the Ravens did -- to get Thomas in position to make plays and to use his versatility to mask what they're doing and let other players make plays.In SF, he would be expected to be a high-impact Shawn Merriman type, and that's not what he does best.

I would think Mike Nolan would know better than any other potenial suitors how exactly to take the best advantage of his skills.

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

I wonder if Belichick started his recruitment of Thomas at the Pro Bowl.

More often than not, you Pats fans make me sick to my stomach.

 

[Workhorse]

I wonder if Belichick started his recruitment of Thomas at the Pro Bowl.

Of course not. That would be tampering. And we know from his treatment of Mangini that the great and good Bill Belichick would never do anything like that.

Link to Belichick's "treatment of Mangini" that would be analogous to "tampering"?

Belichick haters are funny.

 

[Godsbrother]

Wouldn't be surprised to see them go after Joey Porter either.

BB has a way of taking Pittsburgh leftovers and when he does it usually comes back to haunt the Steelers and the rest of the AFC.

I can't think of anyone but Vrabel and maybe Hank Poteat?

Get your dirty facts outta here!

It's pretty early in the morning. I'm sure I'm forgetting someone.

As it turns out not as many as it seems. Here are former Steelers that have played for the Patriots in the past 5 years:Mike Vrabel, Hank Poteat, Chad Scott, Chad Brown, Chidi Iwuoma, Josh Miller, Jim Miller, Amos Zereoue, Charles Johnson

Thanks, but I don't think I'd call Iwuoma, Miller, Miller, Zereoue or Johnson an impact signing. I can't remember how Scott did, but I think Poteat did well in the '04 playoffs. Obviously Vrabel's been a terrific signing.

Agreed.

 

[Workhorse]

I wonder if Belichick started his recruitment of Thomas at the Pro Bowl.

More often than not, you Pats fans make me sick to my stomach.

Yeah, I'm sure that this kind of thing NEVER happens.The 49ers courted and signed Nate Clements since midnight last night and got the deal done in under a day.

 

[The_Man]

As a Ravens fan, I'll say that Thomas would be much more successful in New England. It's not that Thomas does anything exceptionally well -- it's that he does everything very well. The Pats will scheme -- like the Ravens did -- to get Thomas in position to make plays and to use his versatility to mask what they're doing and let other players make plays.In SF, he would be expected to be a high-impact Shawn Merriman type, and that's not what he does best.

I would think Mike Nolan would know better than any other potenial suitors how exactly to take the best advantage of his skills.

In 03-04 with Nolan as Coordinator, Thomas had:116 tackles, 12 sacks, 1 INT, 0 defensive TDsIn 05-06 with Ryan as Coordinator, Thomas had:169 tackles, 20 sacks, 3 INTs, 4 defensive TDsI don't think Nolan's systems maximized AD's talents.

 

[The_Man]

I wonder if Belichick started his recruitment of Thomas at the Pro Bowl.

Of course not. That would be tampering. And we know from his treatment of Mangini that the great and good Bill Belichick would never do anything like that.

Link to Belichick's "treatment of Mangini" that would be analogous to "tampering"?

Belichick haters are funny.

His treatment of Mangini was rage after Mangini allegedly tampered with Patriots' players. So my point is, if Belichik had so much hate for Mangini for tampering, then surely Belichik would never tamper with anyone else's players.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

In 03-04 with Nolan as Coordinator, Thomas had:116 tackles, 12 sacks, 1 INT, 0 defensive TDsIn 05-06 with Ryan as Coordinator, Thomas had:169 tackles, 20 sacks, 3 INTs, 4 defensive TDsI don't think Nolan's systems maximized AD's talents.

 

[Workhorse]

I wonder if Belichick started his recruitment of Thomas at the Pro Bowl.

Of course not. That would be tampering. And we know from his treatment of Mangini that the great and good Bill Belichick would never do anything like that.

Link to Belichick's "treatment of Mangini" that would be analogous to "tampering"?

Belichick haters are funny.

His treatment of Mangini was rage after Mangini allegedly tampered with Patriots' players. So my point is, if Belichik had so much hate for Mangini for tampering, then surely Belichik would never tamper with anyone else's players.

I didn't know you could play connect the dots without any dots.

I've read a bunch of different stories and rumors about Belichick's anger with the whole Mangini situation. No one really knows what happened there. As for the whole "treatment" thing, why even go there again except for

 

[Mungo Burrows]

As a Ravens fan, I'll say that Thomas would be much more successful in New England. It's not that Thomas does anything exceptionally well -- it's that he does everything very well. The Pats will scheme -- like the Ravens did -- to get Thomas in position to make plays and to use his versatility to mask what they're doing and let other players make plays.In SF, he would be expected to be a high-impact Shawn Merriman type, and that's not what he does best.

I would think Mike Nolan would know better than any other potenial suitors how exactly to take the best advantage of his skills.

In 03-04 with Nolan as Coordinator, Thomas had:116 tackles, 12 sacks, 1 INT, 0 defensive TDsIn 05-06 with Ryan as Coordinator, Thomas had:169 tackles, 20 sacks, 3 INTs, 4 defensive TDsI don't think Nolan's systems maximized AD's talents.

in 03, he hadn't yet developed into a starter yet. Even in 04, I don't think he was the full-time starter. While it could be that Nolan "didn't know how to use him" I think those numbers are more of a reflection of his development as a player. If Nolan really thought so little of his capabilities not to play him back then, why is he after him now? I think it's more a case of Nolan knowing his potential, and now that he's reached it, he wants a piece of it. I think Rex is doing a better job as DC than Nolan did, but I don't think he's going to get $8-9m per year to sit on the bench in SF like he did in '03.

 

[Jiggyonthehut]

I wonder if Belichick started his recruitment of Thomas at the Pro Bowl.

More often than not, you Pats fans make me sick to my stomach.

Yeah, I'm sure that this kind of thing NEVER happens.The 49ers courted and signed Nate Clements since midnight last night and got the deal done in under a day.

Yep the niners and billy boy live under a rock. Clearly they didnt realize that Clements or Thomas were players in the NFL until the pro bowl, much less elite players. Im sure scouts have been tracking them since they signed their contracts. The only difference between the Nolan and Bellichick is that Billy actually looks like he lives under a rock.

 

[Workhorse]

I wonder if Belichick started his recruitment of Thomas at the Pro Bowl.

More often than not, you Pats fans make me sick to my stomach.

Yeah, I'm sure that this kind of thing NEVER happens.The 49ers courted and signed Nate Clements since midnight last night and got the deal done in under a day.

Yep the niners and billy boy live under a rock. Clearly they didnt realize that Clements or Thomas were players in the NFL until the pro bowl, much less elite players. Im sure scouts have been tracking them since they signed their contracts. The only difference between the Nolan and Bellichick is that Billy actually looks like he lives under a rock.

I'm waiting on at least a combination of words that make sense here. Please lend me a hand and restate your case clearly rather than trying to make tired cheap shots.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

I don't believe the Clements deal is done.

If it's complete, please post a link.

 

[Boston]

I wonder if Belichick started his recruitment of Thomas at the Pro Bowl.

More often than not, you Pats fans make me sick to my stomach.

Yeah, I'm sure that this kind of thing NEVER happens.The 49ers courted and signed Nate Clements since midnight last night and got the deal done in under a day.

Yep the niners and billy boy live under a rock. Clearly they didnt realize that Clements or Thomas were players in the NFL until the pro bowl, much less elite players. Im sure scouts have been tracking them since they signed their contracts. The only difference between the Nolan and Bellichick is that Billy actually looks like he lives under a rock.

Actually there were some quotes from Thomas during the Pro Bowl about how the perception he had of BB (which wasn't great) was far different than the guy he got to know in Hawaii (brief as it may be). That doesn't mean he's going to Foxboro because of that because at the end of the day if the Pats want him they will have to pony up the cash. Yet, New England may not have been a place he was really looking at until he had a chance to spend some time with BB.

 

[The Shizzle]

Thred hasn't been touched in 2 hours..........anything new in Foxboro?

 

[Al Toon's Mole]

Adalius Thomas-LB- Ravens Mar. 2 - 8:01 pm et

The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots have agree to terms with DE/LB Adalius Thomas.

Details to follow.

Source: Boston Herald

http://rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/p...NFL&id=2251

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Adalius Thomas-LB- Ravens Mar. 2 - 8:01 pm et

The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots have agree to terms with DE/LB Adalius Thomas.

Details to follow.

Source: Boston Herald

http://rotoworld.com/content/playerpages/p...NFL&id=2251

:(

 

[Al Toon's Mole]

Adalius Thomas-LB- Ravens Mar. 2 - 8:01 pm et

The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots have agreed to terms with DE/LB Adalius Thomas.

The Patriots last made a big free agent splash with Rosevelt Colvin, another edge rusher. The Pats may be the one team who can utilize Thomas' various skills even more creatively than Baltimore. The 29-year-old will give the Patriots more options with their multiple formations. Mike Vrabel could play inside more often.

Source: Boston Herald

 

[The Shizzle]

Adalius Thomas-LB- Ravens Mar. 2 - 8:01 pm et The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots have agreed to terms with DE/LB Adalius Thomas.The Patriots last made a big free agent splash with Rosevelt Colvin, another edge rusher. The Pats may be the one team who can utilize Thomas' various skills even more creatively than Baltimore. The 29-year-old will give the Patriots more options with their multiple formations. Mike Vrabel could play inside more often.Source: Boston Herald

Wow. This is really good news for our LB core. I hope we aren't done!!!! :(

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Adalius Thomas-LB- Ravens Mar. 2 - 8:01 pm et The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots have agreed to terms with DE/LB Adalius Thomas.The Patriots last made a big free agent splash with Rosevelt Colvin, another edge rusher. The Pats may be the one team who can utilize Thomas' various skills even more creatively than Baltimore. The 29-year-old will give the Patriots more options with their multiple formations. Mike Vrabel could play inside more often.Source: Boston Herald

 

[JohnnyU]

Adalius Thomas-LB- Ravens Mar. 2 - 8:01 pm et The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots have agreed to terms with DE/LB Adalius Thomas.The Patriots last made a big free agent splash with Rosevelt Colvin, another edge rusher. The Pats may be the one team who can utilize Thomas' various skills even more creatively than Baltimore. The 29-year-old will give the Patriots more options with their multiple formations. Mike Vrabel could play inside more often.Source: Boston Herald

God I hate the Patriots

 

[Al Toon's Mole]

Adalius Thomas-LB- Ravens Mar. 2 - 8:01 pm et

The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots have agreed to terms with DE/LB Adalius Thomas.

The Patriots last made a big free agent splash with Rosevelt Colvin, another edge rusher. The Pats may be the one team who can utilize Thomas' various skills even more creatively than Baltimore. The 29-year-old will give the Patriots more options with their multiple formations. Mike Vrabel could play inside more often.

Source: Boston Herald

As a JETS fan, I wish I had made this story up.......but I ain't that cruel.

 

[Arnold. S]

I can't believe the Pats just signed the biggest FA on defense, this is crazy. I'm ready, who are we bringin in next???

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Adalius Thomas-LB- Ravens Mar. 2 - 8:01 pm et

The Boston Herald reports that the Patriots have agreed to terms with DE/LB Adalius Thomas.

The Patriots last made a big free agent splash with Rosevelt Colvin, another edge rusher. The Pats may be the one team who can utilize Thomas' various skills even more creatively than Baltimore. The 29-year-old will give the Patriots more options with their multiple formations. Mike Vrabel could play inside more often.

Source: Boston Herald

As a JETS fan, I wish I had made this story up.......but I ain't that cruel.

You just made my day, Al Toon's Mole.

I will raise my glass to you tonight,

the Mercurial Messenger Mole.