Zach Thomas getting cut? (1 Viewer)

[John Black]

Per rotoworld

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel believes the Dolphins will cut MLB Zach Thomas this offseason.

Thomas would seemingly be a nice fit on the inside if the 'Fins go with more of a full fledged 3-4 under Bill Parcells, but The Tuna prefers bigger players and Thomas is only 5'11/228. He'll be a hot commodity if he's released.

 

[Zoomanji]

Nope

Not buying that rumor.

 

[Smizzy]

Parcells has no allegiance to Thomas and if he thinks Thomas is more of a health risk than an asset he will be cut.

 

[stevegamer]

I think it comes down to health on Thomas - i have a buddy who thinks he & Taylor are both gone this offseason.

While Parcells prefers bigger guys, neither Taylor nor Thomas are protoypical for DE and ILB in his schemes, it's kind of hard to ignore their production over the years and completely write them off as players:

Taylor is a Pro Bowler again, his 6th appearance , with 5 (and possibly a 6th this Year) All-Pro.

Thomas was hurt this year, and has 7 Pro Bowl & All-Pro nods.

 

[FTRWRTR]

NopeNot buying that rumor.

 

[Jene Bramel]

We're still far from the free agent periods and pre-draft discussions, so things like this get thrown around frequently by the beat writers for non-playoff teams. This probably has some legs, since there was discussion about the "aging" Dolphin defenders potentially being pushed aside well before Parcells came on board. The concussion issue only makes it easier to release a fan favorite like Thomas.

It's true that Parcells prefers bigger ILBs, but he was happy to tweak his schemes a bit to keep Dat Nguyen clean while he was still healthy. Thomas, with his on/off knee issues, probably doesn't have the skill set to succeed in Parcells brand of 3-4. It wouldn't shock me at all to see him elsewhere in 2008, if he plays at all. Taylor is more interesting. There's no reason he can't play a Demarcus Ware type role, primarily rushing the passer from a two point stance. Although he's been designated a DE in IDP leagues, he's been in a two point stance regularly (as much or more than Terrell Suggs) over the past couple of seasons.

 

[Swanson]

If Parcells can get something for Thomas and Taylor then he will do it. He loves to bring in his own guys and build through multiple draft picks. Though Thomas should get MAYBE a middle-late round pick....Taylor could gather something in the 3-4 round. Especially someone close to challenging for a Super Bpowl.

 

[FTRWRTR]

We're still far from the free agent periods and pre-draft discussions, so things like this get thrown around frequently by the beat writers for non-playoff teams. This probably has some legs, since there was discussion about the "aging" Dolphin defenders potentially being pushed aside well before Parcells came on board. The concussion issue only makes it easier to release a fan favorite like Thomas.It's true that Parcells prefers bigger ILBs, but he was happy to tweak his schemes a bit to keep Dat Nguyen clean while he was still healthy. Thomas, with his on/off knee issues, probably doesn't have the skill set to succeed in Parcells brand of 3-4. It wouldn't shock me at all to see him elsewhere in 2008, if he plays at all. Taylor is more interesting. There's no reason he can't play a Demarcus Ware type role, primarily rushing the passer from a two point stance. Although he's been designated a DE in IDP leagues, he's been in a two point stance regularly (as much or more than Terrell Suggs) over the past couple of seasons.

I respect your opinion a lot but my thing is who would they replace thomas with? I mean you're talking about getting rid of a pro bowl caliber lb

 

[Jene Bramel]

We're still far from the free agent periods and pre-draft discussions, so things like this get thrown around frequently by the beat writers for non-playoff teams. This probably has some legs, since there was discussion about the "aging" Dolphin defenders potentially being pushed aside well before Parcells came on board. The concussion issue only makes it easier to release a fan favorite like Thomas.It's true that Parcells prefers bigger ILBs, but he was happy to tweak his schemes a bit to keep Dat Nguyen clean while he was still healthy. Thomas, with his on/off knee issues, probably doesn't have the skill set to succeed in Parcells brand of 3-4. It wouldn't shock me at all to see him elsewhere in 2008, if he plays at all. Taylor is more interesting. There's no reason he can't play a Demarcus Ware type role, primarily rushing the passer from a two point stance. Although he's been designated a DE in IDP leagues, he's been in a two point stance regularly (as much or more than Terrell Suggs) over the past couple of seasons.

I respect your opinion a lot but my thing is who would they replace thomas with? I mean you're talking about getting rid of a pro bowl caliber lb

He's been drifting from Pro Bowl caliber to slightly above average over the past two seasons, mostly due to back, shoulder, ankle, knee and concussion problems. I think Parcells can find a way to use him, but Thomas' body has been slowly breaking down for years. His coverage and pursuit skills have suffered. At age 35, the natural decline in ability plus his recent injury history makes him a risk in a 3-4 defense where he'll need every ounce of athleticism to take on or evade blocks.Theoretically, the linebacker unit would be Taylor and Porter outside and Crowder inside. I'd expect Parcells to completely overhaul that unit in time, however, as he did in Dallas by drafting James, Burnett, Ware, Carpenter and signing Ayodele in his four years with the Cowboys.You are right, though. If the Dolphins don't improve a terribly weak group of ILB potentials by free agent signings or the draft, it'll be hard to let Thomas walk if he passes a physical.

 

[Mikey16x]

i can see thomas being cut... but taylor not fitting somebodies scheme???.. thats hard to believe... he's so versatile.. i think he can fit any scheme in the NFL.

 

[Kirby]

I can't see him getting cut. He's old, but he's still a tackling machine.

 

[PranksterJD]

Gone

 

[J Giles Band]

NopeNot buying that rumor.

 

[Workhorse]

Thomas would be an interesting fit as part of an ILB rotation with Seau and Bruschi in New England.

 

[JaxBill]

Wherever he goes, he won't get the boost he got from Miami's scorekeeper.

 

[Zoomanji]

NopeNot buying that rumor.

Hmmm, can't find the post from J Giles saying, Zack is done and should be cut. He'll be playing for some one. Just opens up another hole for Miami and Tuna to fill. Bad move IMO

 

[J Giles Band]

Some team will certainly take a chance on Thomas. But the market for a 35-year old LB with declining skills and a concussion problem serious enough to cause him to miss half a season doesn't promise to be extraordinary.

Not sure exactly what Thomas' contract and cap number was this season, but safe to say Parcells didn't believe an aging LB with the aforementioned issues was worth the expense. Suffice to say this wasn't a rumor. I'll trust the Tuna has it right on this one.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

Zach may retire rather than try and catch on with another team.

Not saying it will happen, but it could.

Now, if Belichick calls and asks him for another year / shot at the ring, that would change his tune.

 

[Lord of the Rings]

Zach may retire rather than try and catch on with another team.

Not saying it will happen, but it could.

Now, if Belichick calls and asks him for another year / shot at the ring, that would change his tune.

That would be more painful for me to see as a Dolphin's fan, than it has been watching him being dropped to the curb in the first place. I hope Zach retires. Truly a great LB that deserves to ride off into the sunset.

 

[Rozelle]

You can bet if Zach has anything left in the tank, and wants to play ... he'll be playing for someone in '08.

 

[Lord of the Rings]

You can bet if Zach has anything left in the tank, and wants to play ... he'll be playing for someone in '08.

I completely agree. And knowing Zach's work ethic, there will always be something left in the tank. He's not going to want to end on a bad note (injury risk, etc.) He'll have something to prove, like he's been doing his whole career.

 

[FTRWRTR]

NopeNot buying that rumor. :X

Hmmm, can't find the post from J Giles saying, Zack is done and should be cut. He'll be playing for some one. Just opens up another hole for Miami and Tuna to fill. Bad move IMO

Exactly, hindsight is 20/20. Besides it still dosen't make sense considering miami's lbs

 

[Rozelle]

Nope

Not buying that rumor.

Hmmm, can't find the post from J Giles saying, Zack is done and should be cut. He'll be playing for some one. Just opens up another hole for Miami and Tuna to fill. Bad move IMO

Exactly, hindsight is 20/20. Besides it still dosen't make sense considering miami's lbs

There's six million reasons it makes sense. I really like Zach, but no way he's worth paying 6 mil ... no way.

 

[The Shizzle]

What will this do for Channing Crowder? Is he guaranteed to move to the MIKE?

 

[Mikey16x]

Yes dtour, it's basically guaranteed for crowder to move in the MLB position... Crowder was drafted to eventually be zach's successor and since they saw what he can do during Thomas' injuries... no reason to keep zach around when their getting decent production for far less $.

 

[obxlegends]

I find this to be a little on the strange side, but here you go just as well...

(Rotoworld) The Cowboys are reportedly interested in free agent LB Zach Thomas.

Impact: You take our coaches, we'll take your players. Dallas has been in talks with Thomas' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the sides plan to meet after the Combine. Unlike Bill Parcells' 3-4 system, Wade Phillips' version doesn't require its inside linebackers to be 250+ pounds. Donnie Edwards, who goes 6'2/227, produced at his highest level for Phillips from 2004 to 2006.

 

[redman]

Yes dtour, it's basically guaranteed for crowder to move in the MLB position... Crowder was drafted to eventually be zach's successor and since they saw what he can do during Thomas' injuries... no reason to keep zach around when their getting decent production for far less $.

Finally!

 

[Rozelle]

What will this do for Channing Crowder? Is he guaranteed to move to the MIKE?

Well ... an ILB in a 3-4 is more likely. You have to think Parcell's will go in the 3-4 direction.

 

[Dirty Hairy]

You can bet if Zach has anything left in the tank, and wants to play ... he'll be playing for someone in '08.

I completely agree. And knowing Zach's work ethic, there will always be something left in the tank. He's not going to want to end on a bad note (injury risk, etc.) He'll have something to prove, like he's been doing his whole career.

It'd be very sad if he came back for one more year and suffered another concussion.The risk is not worth it.

 

[Rozelle]

Thomas to visit Dallas and New Orleans.

Cowboys | Z. Thomas to visit team

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:28:28 -0800

The NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports free agent LB Zach Thomas (Dolphins) will visit with the Dallas Cowboys after the NFL Combine.

Saints | Z. Thomas to visit team

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:27:40 -0800

The NFL Network's Adam Schefter reports free agent LB Zach Thomas (Dolphins) will visit with the New Orleans Saints before the NFL Combine.

 

[msommer]

The thought of Thomas in NO makes me drool

 

[Jene Bramel]

Yes dtour, it's basically guaranteed for crowder to move in the MLB position... Crowder was drafted to eventually be zach's successor and since they saw what he can do during Thomas' injuries... no reason to keep zach around when their getting decent production for far less $.

Rozelle's correct. It's very likely that Parcells installs a 3-4, though Sparano has said he's going to use the scheme that best fits his personnel. Crowder will play inside in either scheme; the 4-3 would be much better. Crowder may be 241 pounds, but he doesn't fit the physical ILB mold that Parcells prefers. It's not a lock that Crowder would be as successful as Pepper Johnson and Marvin Jones were in the boxscores.

I find this to be a little on the strange side, but here you go just as well...

(Rotoworld) The Cowboys are reportedly interested in free agent LB Zach Thomas.

Impact: You take our coaches, we'll take your players. Dallas has been in talks with Thomas' agent, Drew Rosenhaus, and the sides plan to meet after the Combine. Unlike Bill Parcells' 3-4 system, Wade Phillips' version doesn't require its inside linebackers to be 250+ pounds. Donnie Edwards, who goes 6'2/227, produced at his highest level for Phillips from 2004 to 2006.

For once, Rotoworld's "analysis" is dead-on. Wade Phillips runs a "4-3 like" 3-4 scheme. Thomas, if healthy, would fit fine there. Both Miami and Dallas are probably adding ILB talent this offseason at some point. It'd be nice to have some nice prospects land there.

 

[Rozelle]

Zach to visit Pats today ...

LINK

 

[Rozelle]

Anybody here think Zach won't sign with New England?

Dallas would be inviting for him, but how can you pass up New England?

 

[redman]

Anybody here think Zach won't sign with New England?

Dallas would be inviting for him, but how can you pass up New England?

NE seems to be the golden parachute for veteran LB's given the way Belichick likes to run his defenses.