Dolphins to release Zach Thomas

[Kodos]

I can only hope he goes to Indy -- and that Jason Taylor joins him. He is probably my second favorite Dolphin ever to Dan Marino.

hxxp://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/7797362/Dolphins-to-release-7-time-Pro-Bowler-Thomas?CMP=OTC-K9B140813162&ATT=5

Dolphins to release 7-time Pro Bowler Thomas

by Jay Glazer

One of the faces of the Miami Dolphins is no longer with the organization. Miami has informed perennial Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas they will release him Thursday, FOXSports.com has learned.

Thomas, like the rest of the Dolphins, suffered through a miserable 2007 season. He suffered a concussion on the field and injuries in a car accident that limited his play.

After missing several games, the Dolphins finished Thomas' season for him when they placed him on injured reserve in December.

Thomas instantly became a fan favorite his rookie year and went on to become one of the league's most well-known tackling machines.

In the last couple of months, Thomas has told FOXSports.com he thought his release was imminent due to his salary. However, Thomas also said that he is not ready to hang up the cleats.

Thomas played in just five games in 2007, recording 52 tackles and one sack. The Dolphins finished the season with a 1-15 record.

A fifth-round draft pick in 1996, Thomas has played his entire career in Miami and led the Dolphins to the playoffs in five of his first six seasons. He led the team in tackles in each of his first 10 seasons.

[Coffee Warlord]

Might be an interesting pickup for the Bears if he's got enough left in the tank for another 1 or 2 seasons, as a replacement for Briggs.

[AlexB]

That sucks. It won't be right to see Zach in annother team's jersey

[st.cronin]

He'll sign with the Pats.

[JPhillips]

Cronin: Exactly what I was thinking.

[Kodos]

He'll sign with the Pats.


We saw how well that worked out for Junior Seau. :rolleyes:

[Johnny93g]

:( :( :(

[FrogMan]

We saw how well that worked out for Junior Seau. :rolleyes:


or Wes Welker :p

FM

[sachmo71]

or Wes Welker :p

FM

True, because he was so much closer to the Superbowl in Miami.

[kurtism]

Given his issues with concussions, the best thing to hope for is probably retirement plus a lucrative career in broadcasting/coaching...

[QuikSand]

Given his issues with concussions, the best thing to hope for is probably retirement plus a lucrative career in broadcasting/coaching...

Yes, please.

[Kodos]

That would be my first choice as well, but he seems set on playing.

[rkmsuf]

That would be my first choice as well, but he seems set on playing.

You should have his babies.

[Izulde]

:( I understand the necessity, but it's another rain cloud on this gloomy, gloomy day.

[Kodos]

I suggested naming our first child Zach Thomas, but she didn't go for it. :)

[stevew]

At least you guys still have Peezy.

[Fighter of Foo]

Zach Thomas isn't particularly good anymore. Their defense was much better this season with Crowder inside.

[Rizon]

I can only hope he goes to Indy -- and that Jason Taylor joins him. He is probably my second favorite Dolphin ever to Dan Marino.



I agree. My wife and I were planning to name our first son Daniel Zachary. :(

(his nickname could be Zach Daniels. I love whiskey.)

[SFL Cat]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Thomas wind up with the Patriots, if he can pass the physical.

[SteveMax58]

Zach has been one of my favorite players to watch since he came into the league. While I think it's probably just as well for Miami, it is going to be a little weird to see him in a different uniform next season.

Outside of the Patriots(which would make sense if Junior and/or Bruschi aren't back next year)...I'd say it would make sense to see him go to San Diego, New Orleans, or possibly even Denver(if Al Wilson leaves). I havent looked into all of their salary cap figures for next season...but from a personnel standpoint it would make a little sense for both sides.

[Zelig]

I will throw out a non-scientific New Orleans prediction.

[Chubby]

Ravens

[Toddzilla]

He's from Texas, so my $ is on the Cowboys, then Texans.

[Synovia]

He'll sign with the Pats.

Considering that the dolphins D got much better as soon as he got hurt, I really doubt he signs ANYWHERE.

[korme]

Report: Pats offer ex-Dolphins LB Thomas contract (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3252668)
(http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3252668)

[GreenMonster]

Zach Thomas isn't particularly good anymore. Their defense was much better this season with Crowder inside.

Umm did you watch the Dolphins this year. Crowder was decent but we got abused badly by teams running all over us. Zack had 165 tackles in 2006 which was a career high for him. If he can get over the concussions he can be a decent player for a year or two.

[Kodos]

Dear God. I have already suffered from having Wes Welker become a Patriot. Do not force me to suffer through Zach Thomas becoming one as well. Please.

[Synovia]

Umm did you watch the Dolphins this year. Crowder was decent but we got abused badly by teams running all over us. Zack had 165 tackles in 2006 which was a career high for him. If he can get over the concussions he can be a decent player for a year or two.


Teams ran all over the dolphins because the dolphins sucked, not because of channing crowder.


The run defense actually got better when crowder replaced thomas.

[Sgran]

Of course he'll go to the patriots. it's mandated by the league

[INDalltheway]

He's old, he's a linebacker, yep, New England makes sense.

[GreenMonster]

Teams ran all over the dolphins because the dolphins sucked, not because of channing crowder.


The run defense actually got better when crowder replaced thomas.

Really so in 2006 when we sucked with Zach Thomas in the middle every game we finished 8th in the league in run defense at 101.1 yards a game. In 2007 when we still sucked but Thomas only plays 5 games in the middle we finish dead last at 153.5 yards per game. In the 5 games Zach Thomas played in this year teams averaged 131.0 yards a game. So ya I still think Zach Thomas makes a difference, mind you his 164 tackles in 2006 was the most in his career.

[Kodos]

Don't use facts to bolster your argument -- that's unfair. Zach sucks because Synovia says he does.

[Synovia]

Really so in 2006 when we sucked with Zach Thomas in the middle every game we finished 8th in the league in run defense at 101.1 yards a game. In 2007 when we still sucked but Thomas only plays 5 games in the middle we finish dead last at 153.5 yards per game. In the 5 games Zach Thomas played in this year teams averaged 131.0 yards a game. So ya I still think Zach Thomas makes a difference, mind you his 164 tackles in 2006 was the most in his career.


Yards per game really shows your understanding of football. When teams lose (which the 2007 dolphins did, quite a bit) teams run the ball MORE TIMES A GAME. Teams that win run the ball in the 2nd half. Teams that tend to lose, get run on A LOT in the 2nd half.


Its wonderful that Zach Thomas had 164 tackles in 2006, but its not 2006 anymore. Players over 30 tend to decline very quickly His performance in 2007 is much more indicative of the quality of player he is today. Combine that with the fact that he hasn't played football all year...

[GreenMonster]

Yards per game really shows your understanding of football. When teams lose (which the 2007 dolphins did, quite a bit) teams run the ball MORE TIMES A GAME. Teams that win run the ball in the 2nd half. Teams that tend to lose, get run on A LOT in the 2nd half.


Its wonderful that Zach Thomas had 164 tackles in 2006, but its not 2006 anymore. Players over 30 tend to decline very quickly His performance in 2007 is much more indicative of the quality of player he is today. Combine that with the fact that he hasn't played football all year...

In case you forgot we were awful in 2006 too. Sure teams run the ball more per game. Lets use yards per carry then. 2006 3.5 ypc, 2007 4.5 ypc.

What was so bad about Zach's 2007 perfromance. 5 games, 52 tackles, 1 sack, 2 PD. Crowder played in 11 games and had 77 tackles, .5 sack, 0 PD. Again I like Channing Crowder too but I fail to see how he was better than Zach Thomas in 2007.

Zach Thomas 2006: 165 tackles, 3 sacks, 1 int, 8 PD
Channing Crowder career 43 games: 266 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 0 int, 8 PD

[Kodos]

Synovia just likes to argue.

[Johnny93g]

Saying Zach Thomas sucks makes my head explode!!

[Synovia]

In case you forgot we were awful in 2006 too. Sure teams run the ball more per game. Lets use yards per carry then. 2006 3.5 ypc, 2007 4.5 ypc. PD

Because Zach Thomas is completely responsible for the Dolphins Run Defense? The decline of Jason Taylor from Defensive POY to Good DE didn't make a difference? The fact that Zach Thomas of 2007 is a year older than Zach Thomas of 2006 doesn't make a difference? The declining health of NOSE TACKLE Keith Traylor had nothing to do with it?


To say that its all because of Zach Thomas getting hurt and Channing Crowder replacing him shows a clear lack of understanding.


And Again, what Zach Thomas did in 2006 is totally irrelevant at this point. NO ONE is arguing that he wasnt't any good a couple years ago. He was great. hes not anymore. The Dolphins didn't place him on IR AGAINST HIS WILL because they were worried about his health. The placed him on IR because he didn't warrant a roster spot anymore.

[Big Fo]

C'mon Zach, if you're not gonna retire please don't join the Bills/Jets/Pats, it's painful to even think about.

[GreenMonster]

Because Zach Thomas is completely responsible for the Dolphins Run Defense? The decline of Jason Taylor from Defensive POY to Good DE didn't make a difference? The fact that Zach Thomas of 2007 is a year older than Zach Thomas of 2006 doesn't make a difference? The declining health of NOSE TACKLE Keith Traylor had nothing to do with it?


To say that its all because of Zach Thomas getting hurt and Channing Crowder replacing him shows a clear lack of understanding.


And Again, what Zach Thomas did in 2006 is totally irrelevant at this point. NO ONE is arguing that he wasnt't any good a couple years ago. He was great. hes not anymore. The Dolphins didn't place him on IR AGAINST HIS WILL because they were worried about his health. The placed him on IR because he didn't warrant a roster spot anymore.

This is biggest bunch of BS I have ever heard. So he went from our starting linebacker against the Pats to sitting out the rest of the season because he sucked. Sorry he got into a car accident after the Pats game, got another concussion and was having migranes in the weeks after the accident so they held him out, cause the Dolphins were going no where. It had nothing to do with how he was playing, he was playing well in the 5 games he played in.

[rkmsuf]

It doesn't matter. He'll be concussed again at some point next year.

[TazFTW]

Signs with the Cowboys.

[sachmo71]

woot!

[sachmo71]

Dear God. I have already suffered from having Wes Welker become a Patriot. Do not force me to suffer through Zach Thomas becoming one as well. Please.

THis has got to be a special hell for you, my hero-hating friend!

[TazFTW]

THis has got to be a special hell for you, my hero-hating friend!

:D

[Clark]

Last season the Cowboy's linebackers seemed very good. How is Thomas an upgrade over what they have now? Thomas in a 3-4 defense?

[SteveMax58]

Man...I was already worried about the Cowboys next year...now they get Zach. I think he'll probably beef up an already decent run defense...plus here's a great LB who will have a chip on his shoulder, or at least a little extra to prove.

Hopefully (for Giants fans anyway) Flozell Adams signs elsewhere.

[GreenMonster]

Last season the Cowboy's linebackers seemed very good. How is Thomas an upgrade over what they have now? Thomas in a 3-4 defense?

He will be competing against Akin Ayodele for a starting spot. Ayodele started 14 games last year and had 57 tackles, 0 sacks, 0 int, and 4 PD. Thomas started 5 games last year and had 57 tackes, 1 sack, 0 int, and 2 PD. If Thomas can get on the field and play and avoid another concussion he can still be a decent player, just not the Zach Thomas of old.

[Kodos]

THis has got to be a special hell for you, my hero-hating friend!


It's not ideal, but it's better than him going to the Patriots. My hatred for the Cowboys at this point is near an all-time low, because they haven't been very good for a long time. I will be able to hold my nose and not root against the Cowboys while he is there.

[Subby]

My hatred for the Cowboys at this point is near an all-time low, because they haven't been very good for a long time.
They've been in the playoffs two years in a row and won 13 games this season. I am taking your Cowboys hater card and tearing it up.

[Kodos]

But to me, they never really seemed like a serious threat. Even when they were doing well. And before the last couple seasons, they have done nothing but sucked.

And most of the guys who I really, really hated are gone. Jimmy Johnson, Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders. It's hard to hate Wade Phillips. I still loathe Jerry Jones, but at least he obviously cares about his team and works hard to improve them. He may be an asshat, but I can respect his love for his team.

[Zelig]

Don't stop, believing........

[Vince]

Sorry Kodos, but...

They've been in the playoffs two years in a row and won 13 games this season. I am taking your Cowboys hater card and tearing it up.


...yeah. Come on man, hate the team. :)

[Fighter of Foo]

Last season the Cowboy's linebackers seemed very good. How is Thomas an upgrade over what they have now?

He's not.

[Kodos]

Well, if he's going to suck for a team, it might as well be the Cowboys or Patriots.

[Kodos]

They've been in the playoffs two years in a row and won 13 games this season. I am taking your Cowboys hater card and tearing it up.

You're just mad because your team is never going to be good again.

[JAG]

Last season the Cowboy's linebackers seemed very good. How is Thomas an upgrade over what they have now? Thomas in a 3-4 defense?

The outside LB's (Ware, Ellis) were outstanding. The inside LB's were ok (Ayodele) to solid (James).

[Kodos]

I love that man. Even if he went to the Cowboys. :)

hxxp://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/football/pro/dolphins/sfl-zach042208,0,5363848.story

Agent: Zach Thomas spurned Patriots because of loyalty to Dolphins

By Keven Lerner | Sun-Sentinel.com
12:10 PM EDT, April 22, 2008

Former Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas didn't sign with AFC East rival New Engalnd this offseason because of loyalty to the franchise he played for the last 12 seasons, according to his agent.

Thomas, a Pampa, Texas, native and Texas Tech grad, signed a one-year, $3 million deal in February to play for the Dallas Cowboys, the team he grew up rooting for. He turned down comparable offers from the Patriots and Saints.

"Dallas was a very good fit for him because, like New England, they're a winning team," Drew Rosenhaus told 560-AM (WQAM) Tuesday morning. "They're in his home state, close to his family, and he grew up as a Cowboys fan. But also being a loyal Dolphin, and he'll always be a Dolphin, it would have been very difficult for him [to play for New England]. He did not want to alienate his fans, and really, I don't think, he wanted to compete against the Dolphins."

Dallas will pay Thomas $1 million in base salary, $1 million in signing bonus, and potentially $1 million in incentives based on playing time.

By releasing Thomas, the Dolphins allowed the seven-time Pro Bowl selection to sign a deal before the free-agency signing period began. Thomas immediately shot to the top of a weak free-agent class of interior linebackers, but his concussion-shortened season diminished the possibility he would sign a long-term deal.

Thomas, who will be 35 by the season-opener, has played in both the 4-3 and 3-4 defenses, and had no preference. The Cowboys use the 3-4 alignment, which incorporates two inside linebackers. Thomas led the Dolphins in tackles 10 of his 12 seasons, and contributed 52 tackles in the five games he played this past season.

Last year the Patriots traded with the Dolphins to acquire Wes Welker, who went on to have a career year as one of the top receivers in the league. He was one of seven former Dolphins on the Patriots' roster last year.

[Izulde]

Beautiful.

[rkmsuf]

He'll be concussed before midseason.

[Noop]

The man.

[Dr. Sak]

He'll be concussed before midseason.

That's assuming he doesn't sneeze between now and then.