Zach Thomas Released by Miami Dolphins, LB Drawing Interest From Saints and Others
by 
David Kindervater on February 17th, 2008
Blogging the National Football League, Blogging the NFL
It’s only been a few days since the Miami Dolphins released LB Zach Thomas, but the seven-time Pro Bowler isn’t wasting any time finding new employment. He’s scheduled to meet with the New Orleans Saints Tuesday and is also fielding interest from the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills and N.Y. Jets.
Zach was one of the most popular and productive players ever to wear a Dolphins uniform, but he found himself a casualty in Miami’s massive rebuilding project. It just made sense. He was scheduled to make just over $5.6 million in base salary this coming season. And as much as I love Zach’s game (when he’s healthy, of course), he’s not worth that much money in the waning years of his career. Sure, he’s been a tackling machine for the Dolphins. Let’s give him his due. He led the Dolphins in tackles 10 times; he’s the franchise’s all-time leader in tackles by a wide margin; plus his 168 games is the most by any Miami defensive player — ever. But he’s 35 years old and coming off an injury plagued season where he spent most of his time on IR.
This is the right move for Miami. It’s a business decision and a difficult one at that because aside from Jason Taylor, this guy was the face of that franchise. He battled the odds with his smaller stature and proved that he had more heart than most. He’s just been a great football player. And I hope I’m wrong, but I’m guessing Zach will play a mediocre year or two somewhere else before returning to Miami to sign a one-day contract and retire as a Miami Dolphin.
Tags: Buffalo Bills, Dallas Cowboys, Miami Dolphins, N.Y. Jets, New Orleans Saints, zach-thomas| 2.5 |
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POSTED IN: Miami Dolphins
2 opinions for Zach Thomas Released by Miami Dolphins, LB Drawing Interest From Saints and Others
Feb 19, 2008 at 6:21 pm
Why didn’t I think of this? The New England Patriots! Of course. They offered him a contract today before his scheduled visit to New Orleans tomorrow. Now, you may be wondering what the Pats want with another aging LB at the end of his career? It’s a perfect match, I tell you. And you can’t really argue with the results (except, perhaps, for the results of SBXLII). And why wouldn’t Zach want in on this? If it’s a championship he desires, this is his best bet. He might not make the most money here, but he’ll have the best chance to succeed.
Feb 20, 2008 at 4:51 pm
The Patriots are actually a perfect fit as tey have enough they could have a rotation where he doesn’t need to play all the time…since he ca;t seem to.
It’s a head scratcher but it appears that with Junior and Teddy F.A’s they have a need. But come on! Maybe now that the Niners cut Derick Smith they will go after him too.
They are going to be the landing place of one year deals for the guy going for the ring.
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