Is he anything like this guy...
Posted on 03/03/2007 5:49:08 AM PST by PajamaTruthMafia
Making one of the boldest free agent strikes in franchise history, the Patriots [team stats] last night agreed in principle to a contract with former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Adalius Thomas.
Terms were not immediately available, but the deal is expected to include between $15 million and $20 million of guaranteed money, according to sources with knowledge of the negotiations.
Thomas was in town yesterday and has a physical scheduled for today. Assuming he passes, the deal could be announced by tonight.
The Patriots beat out the 49ers for the two-time Pro Bowler and jewel of the free agent class. The seven-year veteran is considered a prototypical fit for the Pats’ 3-4 system after playing several positions for the Ravens.
The exact terms of the deal surely will be huge.
Bills cornerback Nate Clements signed an eight-year, $80 million contract with the 49ers yesterday that includes $22 million in guaranteed money.
Those normally aren’t the kinds of numbers embraced by the Pats.
This year, however, appears different.
Team president Jonathan Kraft and owner Robert Kraft guaranteed they’d spend to the $109 million salary cap - they entered free agency with roughly $26 million to spend - and appear to be making good on their promise.
The addition of Thomas to an already formidable defense proves the Patriots are serious about reloading a roster that fell a minute shy of reaching its fourth Super Bowl in six years.
Nicknamed “Slash” for his ability to play any linebacker spot as well as defensive end, tackle, safety and even corner, the 6-foot-2, 270-pound Thomas made one Pro Bowl on special teams and another at linebacker in Baltimore. He recorded a career-high 11 sacks with 64 tackles last year and gives the Patriots an outstanding linebacking corps that includes Tedy Bruschi [stats], Mike Vrabel and Rosevelt Colvin.
Thomas is exactly what the Patriots draw up when they consider linebackers for their system. The 29-year-old - he turns 30 in August - has the size and speed to play off the line and is comfortable with a hand down. He can take on guards in the middle or torment quarterbacks as one of the best edge rushers in the business.
He’s also a worker.
Selected in the sixth round of the 2000 draft - 13 picks ahead of quarterback Tom Brady [stats] - Thomas steadily rose from special teams to starter. Initially stuck behind Peter Boulware and Michael McCrary on the Ravens’ depth chart, he spent the first four years of his career largely as a backup and special-teamer.
He earned All-Pro honors for his special teams coverage in 2003, then became a starter at linebacker in 2004. He has averaged 80 tackles and just more than nine sacks a year since.
Thomas made the Pro Bowl this year and spent a week with Patriots coach Bill Belichick in Hawaii, returning a fumble 70 yards for a touchdown in the AFC’s victory.
Thomas’s agent, Bus Cook, did not return calls seeking comment last night.
The player was only available because the cash-strapped Ravens chose not to franchise him for $7.2 million.
“That was not an 11th-hour decision,” Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome said at last week’s NFL Combine in Indianapolis. “We’ve been facing that since the beginning of training camp, knowing that we could have to make that decision. I think it was a fair decision.”
The Patriots would apparently agree. They got their man last night. The retooling of the three-time Super Bowl champions has begun.
Anything new with good teams?
Either that or pick up another LB to do the ILB job.
You're suggesting the Pat's aren't good?
That was way too easy.
Is he anything like this guy...
Ah, I wonder if "Slash" can also play offense a la Vrabel. How psyched he must be.
Better than I expected from the Patriots in free agency. It's gonna be a great season.
Hahaha! You'll be eating those words next January.
I thought they would have sought younger talent, but maybe they are leaning that way in the draft. they will be in for a fight for a playoff spot this year for once, so he might get them over that hump, but in a couple of years ...
For your list... You must be loving this one.
FReepmail rock_lobsta to be added to the Fantasy Football Ping list...
I am savoring every moment of the current regime in New England. I try not to count chickens, but the team should be a serious contender for some time yet.
Yes, I think so. If it wasn't for one Tom Brady interception, they may have been in the Super Bowl instead of the Colts. Although, after the Bengals, I really like the Colts so I was excited to see them win it all. I think the Pats will be a contender next year with a strong offense and defense (especially with Thomas). I believe they play the Bengals again this year. I think it's in Cincy again. I hope it's not another blow out. That game in week 4 was an embarrasment.
I think Carson Palmer is developing into a good leader, he's learning, like the Chargers, to not blow off your mouth until you win something.
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