Play GM: Do you pursue Zach Thomas
Dave Goldberg of the Associated Press is reporting that the Miami Dolphins will release linebacker Zach Thomas. If you are the Bengals, do you take a chance and sign him?
By Dave Goldberg
The Associated Press
The Miami Dolphins will release seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas, who plans to continue his career with another team.
Thomas was told of the team's decision Thursday, a person close to the situation said on the condition of anonymity because the Dolphins have not announced anything.
The decision was first reported on local newspaper Web sites. The Dolphins declined comment. The 34-year-old Thomas missed most of last season because of concussions and migraines and was placed on injured reserve against his wishes in December because of nagging migraines.
He began suffering the migraines after he was involved in a car crash heading home following a loss to the New England Patriots on Oct. 21. He missed the final nine games as the Dolphins went 1-15.
A fifth-round draft pick in 1996, Thomas has appeared in seven Pro Bowls. Until 2007, he started every game in which he played for Miami. His contract runs through the 2008 season.
posted by Mark at 2:37 PM
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Post a Comment*It appears from the information you
listed that Thomas would be to much
of risk to sign at this point. I would rather see the Bengals put their money into a defensive lineman at this point.
No!!!
I'm tired of every team in this city signing everyone else's cast-off's!!!!
We've got some great potential at linebacker with Thurman, Brooks, Pollack(?) Johnson, Jones, and others...
Well Mark it depends. Obviously the guy isn't going to be worth Millions of dollars but if you can sign him for maybe a one year deal at a decent price it would be worth it. The Bengals need some better veteran leadership on that defense and Thomas could bring it. But the fact Thomas was having "headaches" last year isn't a good sign for a linebacker.
NO NO NO NO NO!!! this could be the stupidest thing ever, no reason to do this. ya sure he is experienced but thats just a nice way of saying old. he barely played last season b/c of concussion issues, and at linebacker i think thats a big deal.
If he becomes a free agent, then yes try and sign him.
He is a very good player that would help out the defense and could also help improve the younger linebackers.
Only after the draft and after you see who else is on the market. And for a one year, minimum, incentive-laden contract. He would provide a great locker presence for the young LBs, and for Odell (IF he comes back).
You never know the situation with Thurman and Pollack, or how our injured LBs from last year will be this year. So I'd bring him in for a look but with no guarantees and not much upfront money. Most teams would probably offer the same, but he may see a better opportunity to play here than with anyone else.
He is a fan favorite, and probably a Hall of Famer.
His cap number is not staggering and he provides invaluable leadership and mentoring for the team's youth
BUT, if he could still provide quality play for the majority of a season, the Dolphins would not have released him.
At best, it is a longshot that he could come back and provide signficant time and quality play.
I am sure some team will take the risk.
But, Bengals don't need the risk that another LB will be out for the year. We just went through the revolving LB door this past season.
No, you do not pursue.
You do however, need to pursue front seven player in the draft and free agency. A 1st round DT or DE, and at least 2 LB in rounds 2-4, and a mid level quality FA to add depth.
That depends on the price. While Thomas isn't washed up, his best days are clearly behind him.
If he can play, he would be great for our young linebackers, and voice in the locker room.
No
He is two old and though he would provide great leadership he has injury problems. I dont know about anybody else, but after the last two seasons, i am sick of watching linebackers get injured. I think he could be a great addition and could provide immediate improvement, but he is just too far up there for our recent history with veterans past 8 years.
He also said he is either going to play for a super bowl contender or retire. (I would like to think we are, but we are not trying to convince a bengals fan)
however, if we do i surely wont be upset.
Mike from consentrate
No this team needs to go after young talent in the free agent pool. Go get someone just going into the prime of there career, pay some money and get some talent that we can build with.The bengals never sign any top free agents, once in awhile it would be nice to add that one big name guy to go along with the young talent we have.
i dont think they should go after him cuz his career in itself is gonna demand a good amount of money. if they're willing to pay big money for a short-term deal with a guy like thomas, they should be willing to pay bigger money for a long-term deal with a couple of pro bowlers that are younger than thomas. lance briggs and brendon ayanbadejo are two linebackers that could help out tremendously. or they could look to improve the d-line with albert haynseworth or jared allen. all those guys were pro bowlers this year....honestly, i believe the best option would be terrell suggs. he can play DE and LB and has had a consistent career....keep in mind that i haven't been able to keep up with football the past couple weeks so forgive me if any of those players are no longer available...
Yes
Albert Haynesworth, UFA, Tennessee Titans
If I am the GM - I would much rather draft the "next" Zach Thomas than sign the original.
Too old.
Yes, I will sign him for a 1 to 2 year deal. We need those kind of players so our can team can learn leadership. I would sign him and get some Defensive lineman help out of the draft.
How about Hell Yes.
He may be old, but he is still playing at a high level.
Not a long term deal, but 1 or 2 year contract.
Yep.
We have to sign him. What is wrong with everyone here. Does any one remember what happened when Seau retired, he was washed up then he goes to play on the patriots. And I love David Pollock in College, great player but honestly he will never play again. Even if he does he will not be as effective and I hope he does not play, he does not have to, remember he broke his neck. If we sign Thomas to a short term deal and he does not pan out we just put him on the practice squad. That is the problem with Cincinnati fans, most of us are too afraid to sign someone because we dont want to be made fun of.
Yes, of course you pursure him, but for the right price.
All to all those people counting on Thurman and Pollack. Thurman hasn't been reinstated and if he is, you don't know what kinda of player he will be. And Pollack is not coming back as a linebacker, that is pretty clear. If he comes back it will be as a DE.
First, thanks for an intelligent subject line/discussion based on improving the entire team, not just the public antics of one.
Don't know that much about Thomas, but given his asking price shouldn't be that high, could be a good investment. If he wants to be highly paid, forget it, we've got too much work to do on the lines first.
The big ifs, I don't have info for are 1) his health and 2) what kind of D scheme is he used to. If its similar to what our new DC's style that makes all the more reason to pursue him.
Every good NFL defense has 1 or more veteran savvy linebackers who mentally know what is going on, have experience and know how to make adjustments, and get people in the correct places. You need a field general out there, and LB is a natural spot for it to come from.
NOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!He is too old and past his prime. I much rather go after Albert Haynesworth. He could be a difference maker.
NEVER
Who say's he wanna play for the Bengals & MB anyway????
I would think he wanna play for a contender,not a pretender.It's his own choice, not cincy's!!!!He will most likely end up as a Patroit & have a pro bowl season,help the team drastically, & retire with a winning team.
Dolphins are turning things around with the hiring of a proven football executive (BP) ,what direction is Cincy really heading in(Or Where have they ever headed,w/ MB at the helm)???No competent GM to run this team properly,Ocho crying, Defense needs revamped, Coach lewis suffering from "Deer in the headlight's syndrome" & the "giggles" ,MB carpetbagging his way through Cincinnati, & Disgruntled unhappy football fans being taken for a ride!!!
If he's smart,Zach Thomas would never come play for Cincinnati.Go choose a team that could use a winner,not a team that will "use you" for ticket sales.As Mike Brown would say"It's business as usual"
sad,but true!!!!
he'd be a good player/coach...like what the Pats initially had in mind with junior seau.
two words: Kevin Hardy
FORGET ABOUT Haynesworth, he's gonna get franchise tagged, or will want a millonarie contract, without considering bad character issues... why do you wanna go after the same all same ? I would go for Zack, 1-2 year contract, not a millonarie one.
what do you think about picking up the recently cut tight end from the falcons Alge Crumpler? He can catch the ball and is a above average blocker. I guess his age could be a issue, but other than that what do you think?
Of course you do if the price is right. How many times last year would you as a fan have died to have a Zach Thomas out there to help Landon Johnson and his cast off of practice squad players. Once again as long as it is not financially dibilitating go for it. Of course in a perfect world we would all like to just see Thurman, Brooks, Pollack, Jeanty, Johnson and so on play and we would possibly be fine. But outside of Johnson who from that group can you count on to actually play every week and he is a free agent. Also depending on the money I say go for Crumpler, it would be a solid signing which would instantly improve the passing game. But honestly I think the number one priority needs to be defensive line but realistically I'm not counting on Haynesworth. I would not mind drafting Gholston if he is there in the first. Have him and Geathers rushing the edge and hoping that Peko continues to develop into a decent DT.
Cumpler is a MUST!!! He is only 30 and is very solid. Him and Kelly reunited at TE would be cool. He is a great receiver and I think he would be affordable. PLEASE...DO it!!
I'd love to see the Bengals pick up Crumpler. They say he's a leader in the locker room, and since I've heard it said Palmer struggles to be that vocal, he'd be a great one to have here!!!
Teams release players for a reason, most of the time because they are aging and slowing down. Sometimes it is strictly financial, and a team can get an upgrade if they snatch one, but not in this case. Thomas was a heck of a player, and may still contribute to an already stable team, but he is undersized and now is older and slower. Crumpler too is way to slow for what the Bengals need. I am a big fan of signing FA to upgrade your team, and it cost $$ to do that, but if the player produces it is worth it. But, in this case, you would strictly be paying for a name only. Stay patient, because there are going to be some GOOD players get cut. Several teams will have to unload some $$, Redskins are already over the cap, so waiting to see what happens is prudent, especially with Jared Allen and Albert Haynesworth futures unknow.
Crumpler would be good if his price tag isn't too high. There are some nice options at tight end in this years draft though.
Zach, only if the price is right. Honestly, don't think he'd want to come here, plus D-Bag Rosenhaus is his agent. I agree with pursuing Crumpler. Plus, Falcons have D & O line guys just cut worth a looksee as well.
No way- If we have Brooks and Thurman next year, we will be in good shape. Let's work on the O and D lines.
No we should not sign Thomas. We should sign Alge Crumpler.
THIS IS AN EASY CALL - YES YOU WOULD SIGN ZACH THOMAS
Forget Thomas! He stood around and watched pretty boy Jason Taylor cheat on his sister. Too old and that shows no charactor.
Crumpler however could be productive for 2-3 years and is a major upgrade over the stiffs in there right now.
Bengals should look at the D lineman Traylor, if they can get him at a reasonable price. Thomas, is still capable but beaten up, and NFL chews up linebackers so only sign him on the cheap. I like Crumpler as a way to change an offensive philosophy that has grow stale and predictable. Those of you who believe Pollack is coming back are high. I work in the medical field and have been involved with other NFL athletes with similar type injuries, all tried to come back, all failed, the last of note Spielman. So don't count on David, as much as I'd love to be wrong.
Mark, could you note what salary cap wiggle room the bengals have to sign free agents? Also it would seem smarter to sign select free agents to fill holes PRIOR to the draft than after so that you can address leftover needs with the draft and not negotiate from a weakened position with the vets. Your thoughts, thanks
algae crumpler (sp?) is the way to go - talk about an upgrade!
Get CRUMPLER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! great opportunity for the Bengals
Sure you pursue him. He would be a great player. He didn't get booted for lack of production or declining stats. He got the boot 1- because he had concussion and migraine problems. And 2- Because Parcells feels the need to start over and doesn't want old guys around. He's a character guy and we know Cincy needs it. Plus generally stating most guys feel revived when starting with a new team. Usually more angry too. Price has to be right too. And it will be.
Alge Crumpler would be a huge pick-up.Him & Vick,literally tore up the bengals by themselves 2 season's ago.That guy has talent,The bengals need to use the TE more & a proven TE like AC would be helpful.
I say hell yea,but remember who makes the decisions.That's right Mike Brown.
"What win games" he says, "Shut, that will cost more money for bigger contract's to reward players" he say's, "I rather be a losing franchise,pay the players base salary & milk the fans out of their hard earned dollars & cents" he say's."I keep getting richer & they keep getting dumber,like a mouse to a cheese trap,hahhahahahahah"He say's & does!!!!!!
Zach Thomas a old man, this dude, he a waste money.
reliability and consistancy is what we lacked most at LB last year and these are also Zach Thomas' big glaring red flags. I say NO
How about A. Crumpler for T.E.?
Think about it from the free agent's point of view. Do the top free agents want to come to an organization being run the way the Bengals are?
No, the Patriots and the other class organizations get their pick of the free agents. The Bengals usually have to scrape the bottom of the barrel with the other poorly-run organizations.
typical bengals: pick up everyone else's damaged goods. something mike brown would do.
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