Zach Thomas signs with Cowboys (1 Viewer)

[faux_bear]

being reported by ESPN, yahoo sports, and KFFL.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

Good for Zach and the 'boys.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Much better fit than New England in my opinion. Zach should do well if he can avoid the concussion issues.

 

[faux_bear]

Much better fit than New England in my opinion. Zach should do well if he can avoid the concussion issues.

Funny how the Cowboys and Dolphins keep swapping personnel.I'm very glad Zach didn't sign with the Patriots...that really would have made me

 

[Weiner Dog]

Looks like a good deal for all parties involved.

 

[Jason Wood]

Wow...good for Zach and good for the boys. If he's healthy, he's a 150 tackle machine.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

 

[Jason Wood]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

I'm bummed he's going to the hated Boys, but I like the dude, always have. Got a chance to throw a few frosties back with him in college when he came to our campus to visit a good buddy; he's a tried and true country boy with a very good nature.

 

[saintfool]

i was hoping he'd go to the saints at a bargain price. oh well. maybe derek smith?

 

[Chadstroma]

I agree that this is a good fit for both Zach and the Cowboys.

 

[faux_bear]

Zach Thomas has more career tackles than any player in the Hall of Fame. Where would you guys put his HoF chances given the career he's amassed?

I think Zach has all the credentials as far as stats goes, but he hasn't achieved the type of fame or national recognition and popularity that other MLB's like Ray Lewis, Seau, and Urlacher have gotten. I wonder if this will hurt him more than anything else? I still think he'll make it, but it may take him a few years of eligibility. If he wins a Super Bowl with Dallas, I think it would help a lot.

 

[Jason Wood]

i was hoping he'd go to the saints at a bargain price. oh well. maybe derek smith?

My understanding is that Dan Morgan (already interviewed) is the main option, with the possibility that they will re-sign Simoneau ultimately.

 

[Max Power]

During an interview with Drew Rosenhaus, Rosenhaus said the Dallas Cowboys will use LB Zach Thomas in a role that allows him to roam freely, where he will be able to make tackles as a freelancer. He doesn't fit a 3-4 defense, but he will adjust to the scheme.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Zach Thomas has more career tackles than any player in the Hall of Fame. Where would you guys put his HoF chances given the career he's amassed?I think Zach has all the credentials as far as stats goes, but he hasn't achieved the type of fame or national recognition and popularity that other MLB's like Ray Lewis, Seau, and Urlacher have gotten. I wonder if this will hurt him more than anything else? I still think he'll make it, but it may take him a few years of eligibility. If he wins a Super Bowl with Dallas, I think it would help a lot.

Just a gut feeling but I dont think he gets in.

 

[saintfool]

i was hoping he'd go to the saints at a bargain price. oh well. maybe derek smith?

My understanding is that Dan Morgan (already interviewed) is the main option, with the possibility that they will re-sign Simoneau ultimately.

yeah, i know he interviewed but i don't see the purpose. he's never played a full season. he's 2 years(!) removed from a 13 game - his most complete - season. if you sign the guy make sure you get a quality backup. signing simoneau to be his back up essentially commits simoneau to starting the season again. smith is at least healthy and sure tackler.

 

[Koya]

As a Giants fan, my initial gut reaction is "meh, ok" - I just wonder how much Thomas has in the tank. Can he cover at all when needed? Because with Roy Williams sucking in coverage already, I wonder if that becomes an issue for the Boys.

From a locker room and leadership perspective, its a great sign - if they can mitigate the issues covering backs and TE's, then he might be able to solidy the interior of the D.

FWIW, I think he definately makes the Hall, possible on his first try depending upon the class. When we talk about this era, its Ray Lewis and Thomas heading the way, no?

 

[Boston]

During an interview with Drew Rosenhaus, Rosenhaus said the Dallas Cowboys will use LB Zach Thomas in a role that allows him to roam freely, where he will be able to make tackles as a freelancer. He doesn't fit a 3-4 defense, but he will adjust to the scheme.

If that's what Thomas is looking for than the Pats would have been a horrible fit. Their D is definetly not designed for freelancing.Very nice move by the Cowboys. They're a team that's real close and bringing in a high character guy with playmaking skills is a real solid addition.

 

[Jason Wood]

As a Giants fan, my initial gut reaction is "meh, ok" - I just wonder how much Thomas has in the tank. Can he cover at all when needed? Because with Roy Williams sucking in coverage already, I wonder if that becomes an issue for the Boys.From a locker room and leadership perspective, its a great sign - if they can mitigate the issues covering backs and TE's, then he might be able to solidy the interior of the D.FWIW, I think he definately makes the Hall, possible on his first try depending upon the class. When we talk about this era, its Ray Lewis and Thomas heading the way, no?

Tough for a one-dimensional LB like Thomas to get in without a lot of bling on his fingers. The two stone cold locks at LB from his generation are Ray Lewis and Derrick Brooks. Thomas won't get in (or even make the final 15 IMHO) for a few seasons after eligibility, and may need a good long while to get the nod, if at all.

 

[Koya]

As a Giants fan, my initial gut reaction is "meh, ok" - I just wonder how much Thomas has in the tank. Can he cover at all when needed? Because with Roy Williams sucking in coverage already, I wonder if that becomes an issue for the Boys.From a locker room and leadership perspective, its a great sign - if they can mitigate the issues covering backs and TE's, then he might be able to solidy the interior of the D.FWIW, I think he definately makes the Hall, possible on his first try depending upon the class. When we talk about this era, its Ray Lewis and Thomas heading the way, no?

Tough for a one-dimensional LB like Thomas to get in without a lot of bling on his fingers. The two stone cold locks at LB from his generation are Ray Lewis and Derrick Brooks. Thomas won't get in (or even make the final 15 IMHO) for a few seasons after eligibility, and may need a good long while to get the nod, if at all.

Really? I always thought he was one of the best in the league and not AS one dimensional as thought. Then again, I've been wrong before.

 

[Dman30]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

Yeah, too classy for the Patriots organization. Hence the signing in Dallas.It used to be that players would jump at the chance to play for NE, even take pay cuts to play for them. I think it's fair to say those days are over. Good job Zach Thomas for rejecting the Pats and not getting yourself mixed into their cheating drama.

 

[Tyrion]

As a Giants fan, my initial gut reaction is "meh, ok" - I just wonder how much Thomas has in the tank. Can he cover at all when needed? Because with Roy Williams sucking in coverage already, I wonder if that becomes an issue for the Boys.From a locker room and leadership perspective, its a great sign - if they can mitigate the issues covering backs and TE's, then he might be able to solidy the interior of the D.FWIW, I think he definately makes the Hall, possible on his first try depending upon the class. When we talk about this era, its Ray Lewis and Thomas heading the way, no?

He will be playing Akin Ayodele's spot and I don't remember Ayodele covering much. He should be fine. Now if we can just get "I can't shut my mouth" Hall for a 1st round pick I will be happy.

 

[Bankerguy]

They will use Zach, much like Wade used Donnie Edwards in SD. Good signing. I like the leadership he brings, hope he can avoid the concussions in the hard hitting NFC East.

 

[Tyrion]

Sorry for the double post but I just noticed that even playing on a sucky team and on a defense that did not place him in the best position to succeed, he was still on pace for a 150 tackle season. I think he will be great.

 

[Jene Bramel]

As a Giants fan, my initial gut reaction is "meh, ok" - I just wonder how much Thomas has in the tank. Can he cover at all when needed? Because with Roy Williams sucking in coverage already, I wonder if that becomes an issue for the Boys.From a locker room and leadership perspective, its a great sign - if they can mitigate the issues covering backs and TE's, then he might be able to solidy the interior of the D.FWIW, I think he definately makes the Hall, possible on his first try depending upon the class. When we talk about this era, its Ray Lewis and Thomas heading the way, no?

He will be playing Akin Ayodele's spot and I don't remember Ayodele covering much. He should be fine. Now if we can just get "I can't shut my mouth" Hall for a 1st round pick I will be happy.

Ayodele sat in the nickel packages. Thomas may not, though his coverage skills had slipped recently. As Bankerguy hinted, this 3-4 defense is fine for an "undersized" guy like Thomas. It functions very much like a 4-3 for the ILBs.

 

[westbrook36]

Terrible move for the Cowboys. He does not fit a 3-4 scheme at all. He was already undersized in a 4-3, and now him playing in a 3-4 is just ridiculous. Thomas is slow as dirt, on the wrong side of 30, and coming back from a major concussion.

I know Jerry Jones is a flashy guy, but I doubt he likes to just burn 3 million bucks. Drew Rosenscum just fleeced the Cowboys.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

Yeah, too classy for the Patriots organization. Hence the signing in Dallas.It used to be that players would jump at the chance to play for NE, even take pay cuts to play for them. I think it's fair to say those days are over. Good job Zach Thomas for rejecting the Pats and not getting yourself mixed into their cheating drama.

You are a joke. If you hadnt noticed, this is not a thread about the Patriots.

 

[Dman30]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

Yeah, too classy for the Patriots organization. Hence the signing in Dallas.It used to be that players would jump at the chance to play for NE, even take pay cuts to play for them. I think it's fair to say those days are over. Good job Zach Thomas for rejecting the Pats and not getting yourself mixed into their cheating drama.

You are a joke. If you hadnt noticed, this is not a thread about the Patriots.

Exactly...it's not about the Patriots because he rejected them. The days of the Patriots luring in free agents just because "we're the Patriots" are done. Deal with it. Great signing by Dallas.

 

[HellToupee]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

Yeah, too classy for the Patriots organization. Hence the signing in Dallas.It used to be that players would jump at the chance to play for NE, even take pay cuts to play for them. I think it's fair to say those days are over. Good job Zach Thomas for rejecting the Pats and not getting yourself mixed into their cheating drama.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=8226886

 

[JPeso]

I know Jerry Jones is a flashy guy, but I doubt he likes to just burn 3 million bucks. Drew Rosenscum just fleeced the Cowboys.

Burn $3 mil? Wake up.

 

[Pat Patriot]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

Yeah, too classy for the Patriots organization. Hence the signing in Dallas.It used to be that players would jump at the chance to play for NE, even take pay cuts to play for them. I think it's fair to say those days are over. Good job Zach Thomas for rejecting the Pats and not getting yourself mixed into their cheating drama.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=8226886

I guess zero tolerance is pretty hard to enforce with clowns like DMan roaming around.

 

[Andy Herron]

As a Giants fan, my initial gut reaction is "meh, ok" - I just wonder how much Thomas has in the tank. Can he cover at all when needed? Because with Roy Williams sucking in coverage already, I wonder if that becomes an issue for the Boys.From a locker room and leadership perspective, its a great sign - if they can mitigate the issues covering backs and TE's, then he might be able to solidy the interior of the D.FWIW, I think he definately makes the Hall, possible on his first try depending upon the class. When we talk about this era, its Ray Lewis and Thomas heading the way, no?

He will be playing Akin Ayodele's spot and I don't remember Ayodele covering much. He should be fine. Now if we can just get "I can't shut my mouth" Hall for a 1st round pick I will be happy.

Ayodele sat in the nickel packages. Thomas may not, though his coverage skills had slipped recently. As Bankerguy hinted, this 3-4 defense is fine for an "undersized" guy like Thomas. It functions very much like a 4-3 for the ILBs.

With this signing, the writing's on the wall for Akin Ayodele. Cap space cut. They've been disappointed with him anyway, thus the signing. This will allow them to work Kevin Burnett more into the rotation, and maybe some of Bobby Carpenter. They've needed some good veteran leadership at LB, and Thomas should serve that role well as well as hopefully help mentor Carpenter into something more productive.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Terrible move for the Cowboys. He does not fit a 3-4 scheme at all. He was already undersized in a 4-3, and now him playing in a 3-4 is just ridiculous. Thomas is slow as dirt, on the wrong side of 30, and coming back from a major concussion.I know Jerry Jones is a flashy guy, but I doubt he likes to just burn 3 million bucks. Drew Rosenscum just fleeced the Cowboys.

Actually, Thomas fits this particular type of 3-4 scheme well. He'll be protected as much as he would have been in most 4-3 schemes playing MLB. The decline in range and concussion concerns are definitely issues, and there's no argument that size would be nice, but undersized players have done well in this scheme in the past (eg Donnie Edwards).

 

[mad sweeney]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

Yeah, too classy for the Patriots organization. Hence the signing in Dallas.It used to be that players would jump at the chance to play for NE, even take pay cuts to play for them. I think it's fair to say those days are over. Good job Zach Thomas for rejecting the Pats and not getting yourself mixed into their cheating drama.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=8226886

I guess zero tolerance is pretty hard to enforce with clowns like DMan roaming around.

This guy's conitnued ability to still post is a joke. I don't understand how the staff can say "keep it clean" and specifically keep it clean with the Pats and still let this guy have any say on any subject, which he always turns into antagonistic, rude anti-Pats vitriol with little to no actual info involved. A one trick pony obsessed with bashing the Pats and Pats fans. But he's still here....

 

[Steady Mooobin]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

Yeah, too classy for the Patriots organization. Hence the signing in Dallas.It used to be that players would jump at the chance to play for NE, even take pay cuts to play for them. I think it's fair to say those days are over. Good job Zach Thomas for rejecting the Pats and not getting yourself mixed into their cheating drama.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=8226886

I guess zero tolerance is pretty hard to enforce with clowns like DMan roaming around.

This guy's conitnued ability to still post is a joke. I don't understand how the staff can say "keep it clean" and specifically keep it clean with the Pats and still let this guy have any say on any subject, which he always turns into antagonistic, rude anti-Pats vitriol with little to no actual info involved. A one trick pony obsessed with bashing the Pats and Pats fans. But he's still here....

You're correct, but the mistake is feeding the troll.

 

[Phlash]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

Yeah, too classy for the Patriots organization. Hence the signing in Dallas.It used to be that players would jump at the chance to play for NE, even take pay cuts to play for them. I think it's fair to say those days are over. Good job Zach Thomas for rejecting the Pats and not getting yourself mixed into their cheating drama.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=8226886

I guess zero tolerance is pretty hard to enforce with clowns like DMan roaming around.

This guy's conitnued ability to still post is a joke. I don't understand how the staff can say "keep it clean" and specifically keep it clean with the Pats and still let this guy have any say on any subject, which he always turns into antagonistic, rude anti-Pats vitriol with little to no actual info involved. A one trick pony obsessed with bashing the Pats and Pats fans. But he's still here....

You're correct, but the mistake is feeding the troll.

No, the mistake is not removing the troll. Trolls will troll no matter what, and if everyone was like Dman the Shark Pool would be a joke.

 

[mad sweeney]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

Yeah, too classy for the Patriots organization. Hence the signing in Dallas.It used to be that players would jump at the chance to play for NE, even take pay cuts to play for them. I think it's fair to say those days are over. Good job Zach Thomas for rejecting the Pats and not getting yourself mixed into their cheating drama.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=8226886

I guess zero tolerance is pretty hard to enforce with clowns like DMan roaming around.

This guy's conitnued ability to still post is a joke. I don't understand how the staff can say "keep it clean" and specifically keep it clean with the Pats and still let this guy have any say on any subject, which he always turns into antagonistic, rude anti-Pats vitriol with little to no actual info involved. A one trick pony obsessed with bashing the Pats and Pats fans. But he's still here....

You're correct, but the mistake is feeding the troll.

Every single topic gets an anti-Pats spin by this guy. Even if we didn't talk about football at all, he'd still get some shots in at Pats and Pats fans.

 

[Mustang Man]

O god everyone stop crying about Pat's bashers. Geez Cowboys haters are all over the place. It is part of having success over a period of time. Just deal with it buy not replying, if you reply then that is on you.

Good move for Dallas to sign Z.Thomas. If he is healthy 3 mill next season will be a steal imo.

 

[mad sweeney]

O god everyone stop crying about Pat's bashers. Geez Cowboys haters are all over the place. It is part of having success over a period of time. Just deal with it buy not replying, if you reply then that is on you.

Good move for Dallas to sign Z.Thomas. If he is healthy 3 mill next season will be a steal imo.

We're talking about one. And he does it when no one is talking about the Pats or Spygate. Ignoring him doesn't stop him, that's the point we're making.We'll see about Zack's health. Not wishing him anything bad, but I am generally against anything that makes Dallas better.

 

[Clayton Gray]

Good for Zach Thomas. Class guy.

Yeah, too classy for the Patriots organization. Hence the signing in Dallas.It used to be that players would jump at the chance to play for NE, even take pay cuts to play for them. I think it's fair to say those days are over. Good job Zach Thomas for rejecting the Pats and not getting yourself mixed into their cheating drama.

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...t&p=8226886

I guess zero tolerance is pretty hard to enforce with clowns like DMan roaming around.

Just now saw it.

 

[Bri]

Much better fit than New England in my opinion. Zach should do well if he can avoid the concussion issues.

what do they have carpenter for?Don't you think they should trade him?Cincy needs LBers, they need a RB to replace Jones....there ya go

 

[Finatic]

As a Giants fan, my initial gut reaction is "meh, ok" - I just wonder how much Thomas has in the tank. Can he cover at all when needed? Because with Roy Williams sucking in coverage already, I wonder if that becomes an issue for the Boys.

From a locker room and leadership perspective, its a great sign - if they can mitigate the issues covering backs and TE's, then he might be able to solidy the interior of the D.

FWIW, I think he definately makes the Hall, possible on his first try depending upon the class. When we talk about this era, its Ray Lewis and Thomas heading the way, no?

No he can't cover a RB or TE at all anymore...Zach was once a 3 down LB but that was many years ago.......Def-Coordinators knew he was a liability in coverage and exposed this many of times the past few years when playing Miami........He would still make a great 2 down tackling machine LB IMO if he stays healthy which is a big if considering his concussion history and style of play...Good Luck Zach and thanks for the years in Miami

Fin........................

 

[westbrook36]

I know Jerry Jones is a flashy guy, but I doubt he likes to just burn 3 million bucks. Drew Rosenscum just fleeced the Cowboys.

Burn $3 mil? Wake up.

You wake up. Zach Thomas is washed up. Bad move by Dallas.

 

[Steady Mooobin]

I know Jerry Jones is a flashy guy, but I doubt he likes to just burn 3 million bucks. Drew Rosenscum just fleeced the Cowboys.

Burn $3 mil? Wake up.

You wake up. Zach Thomas is washed up. Bad move by Dallas.

You always make these comments when it involves the Cowboys.When your team actually manages to win ONE measly Super Bowl, then you can talk smack.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Much better fit than New England in my opinion. Zach should do well if he can avoid the concussion issues.

what do they have carpenter for?Don't you think they should trade him?Cincy needs LBers, they need a RB to replace Jones....there ya go

Carpenter is a Parcells guy -- big, plugger type with some speed and above-average coverage skills, which isn't the greatest fit in the 3-4 scheme Phillips prefers. He has yet to beat out James for the strong inside role and fell behind Burnett in the nickel/dime packages. I don't think there's any value to be had in trading him, but he's a nice backup/ST player to hold. I'd guess a number of teams would take a hard look at him were he to be released this summer. He's an OSU guy, so Mike Brown and whatever Tobin is in the Bengal scouting department would be interested. He'd fall into a pretty big competition there, though, assuming everyone is healthy and off the suspended lists.

 

[simmonjm]

I know Jerry Jones is a flashy guy, but I doubt he likes to just burn 3 million bucks. Drew Rosenscum just fleeced the Cowboys.

Burn $3 mil? Wake up.

You wake up. Zach Thomas is washed up. Bad move by Dallas.

Awesome this is why I love the shark pool so much. Posters here know more then the 6-8 NFL GMs who were all scrambling to sign Zach Thomas.

 

[Balco]

I know Jerry Jones is a flashy guy, but I doubt he likes to just burn 3 million bucks. Drew Rosenscum just fleeced the Cowboys.

Burn $3 mil? Wake up.

You wake up. Zach Thomas is washed up. Bad move by Dallas.

Awesome this is why I love the shark pool so much. Posters here know more then the 6-8 NFL GMs who were all scrambling to sign Zach Thomas.

I seriously can't stand statements like this. If gms were all so knowledgeable, why are there always so many mistakes in the draft and free agency? Please. I think there are people on this board who are clueless, and I think there are gms that are clueless.I think the the Thomas signing was pretty low risk. 1 year, 3 mil. If he doesn't work out, it really isn't a huge deal. They have someone who will be competing with him who has started the last couple of years. I like Thomas, admire everything he has done in his career, but he is now a 2 down linebacker. He will benefit playing behind some big d lineman so he should be an asset on 1st and 2nd down. Sort of like Junior Seau for the Pats.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Terrible move for the Cowboys. He does not fit a 3-4 scheme at all. He was already undersized in a 4-3, and now him playing in a 3-4 is just ridiculous. Thomas is slow as dirt, on the wrong side of 30, and coming back from a major concussion.I know Jerry Jones is a flashy guy, but I doubt he likes to just burn 3 million bucks. Drew Rosenscum just fleeced the Cowboys.

It was a great signing, not good, great. The guy is the real deal. If you are not a Cowboy fan, then you should be bummed because this makes them a substantial early favorite to get to the SB.I just want to know where I can get my Zach Thomas Cowboy jersey now.How bout Dem Cowboys!

 

[simmonjm]

I know Jerry Jones is a flashy guy, but I doubt he likes to just burn 3 million bucks. Drew Rosenscum just fleeced the Cowboys.

Burn $3 mil? Wake up.

You wake up. Zach Thomas is washed up. Bad move by Dallas.

Awesome this is why I love the shark pool so much. Posters here know more then the 6-8 NFL GMs who were all scrambling to sign Zach Thomas.

I seriously can't stand statements like this. If gms were all so knowledgeable, why are there always so many mistakes in the draft and free agency? Please. I think there are people on this board who are clueless, and I think there are gms that are clueless.I think the the Thomas signing was pretty low risk. 1 year, 3 mil. If he doesn't work out, it really isn't a huge deal. They have someone who will be competing with him who has started the last couple of years. I like Thomas, admire everything he has done in his career, but he is now a 2 down linebacker. He will benefit playing behind some big d lineman so he should be an asset on 1st and 2nd down. Sort of like Junior Seau for the Pats.

Agree that there are GMs who are clueless Millen immediately comes to mind but if you have 6-8 teams trying to sign a player that kind of leads me to believe that he is a valuable player. The reason there are so many mistakes in the draft and free agency in my mind is 2 factors, first being that it only takes 1 GM to sign a player and make a mistake and like we have already established there are some bad GMs, secondly it boils down to the player some players are lazy or cannot adjust to a system for whatever reason its not a fault of the team or GM rather it falls on the player.

 

[westbrook36]

What is wrong with some of you? It is a terrible move. Zach Thomas is a big name, and that is it. The guy is 100% DONE, and he does not even fit the 3-4 defense. I saw a play from 2 years ago where Thomas had to cover Heath Miller in space, and was torched. Miller just blew past Thomas, got literally 15 yards of separation from Thomas, and scored an 87 yard touch down. That play showed me that Thomas is not athletic enough anymore to play in the NFL.

For those of you who say that Thomas can just be a 2 down linebacker, and get off the field on passing downs, you are mistaken. You can't have 2 down linebackers in the NFL anymore, because it is a pass first league. Teams pass a lot on first and second down today, so guys like Zach Thomas just get abused by RBs and Tight Ends. If you can't play all 3 downs in the NFL then you don't belong.

Bad move for Dallas. They should have just drafted a guy like Dan Connor, or signed a more athletic younger free agent LB who fits the 3-4 scheme.

 

[cobalt_27]

What is wrong with some of you? It is a terrible move. Zach Thomas is a big name, and that is it. The guy is 100% DONE, and he does not even fit the 3-4 defense. I saw a play from 2 years ago where Thomas had to cover Heath Miller in space, and was torched. Miller just blew past Thomas, got literally 15 yards of separation from Thomas, and scored an 87 yard touch down. That play showed me that Thomas is not athletic enough anymore to play in the NFL.For those of you who say that Thomas can just be a 2 down linebacker, and get off the field on passing downs, you are mistaken. You can't have 2 down linebackers in the NFL anymore, because it is a pass first league. Teams pass a lot on first and second down today, so guys like Zach Thomas just get abused by RBs and Tight Ends. If you can't play all 3 downs in the NFL then you don't belong.Bad move for Dallas. They should have just drafted a guy like Dan Connor, or signed a more athletic younger free agent LB who fits the 3-4 scheme.

Please, don't stop.