Thomas Appears Ready To Sign March 3, 2007 Staff And Wire Reports It looks as if the Patriots are about to take a giant step in filling their biggest need: linebacker. The Boston Globe and Boston Herald are reporting that the Patriots will host former Raven Adalius Thomas at Gillette Stadium today. Assuming that Thomas, considered the best available linebacker in a bumper crop of free agents, passes his physical and there are no contractual snags, the Patriots are expected to sign him to a deal that probably will eclipse the seven-year, $30 million contract they gave former Bears linebacker Rosevelt Colvin four years ago. Colvin's deal is the biggest contract the Patriots have given another team's free agent. The 6-foot-2, 270-pound Thomas, a seven-year veteran, is a strong pass rusher but is comfortable at both inside and outside linebacker. He has also played on the defensive line and even a bit of safety, meaning he has the versatility the Patriots prize. Last season Thomas, 29, had a career-high 11 sacks and made his first Pro Bowl. The Ravens selected him in the sixth round of the 2000 draft, 13 picks before Tom Brady. The the Patriots cut Willie McGinest a year ago for salary cap reasons, then placed his replacement, Junior Seau, on injured reserve in November. Their depth was so shallow that coach Bill Belichick started third-year special teams player Eric Alexander at inside linebacker in the AFC Championship Game against the Colts. It was the first start of Alexander's career. NFL.com also reported that the Pats are expected to signs former Jaguars tight end Kyle Brady, who will visit today along with former Dolphins running back Sammy Morris. SI.com reported the Pats are among seven teams to contact former Steelers linebacker Joey Porter. The Jets, Ravens, 49ers, Cowboys, Browns and Dolphins also expressed interest. http://www.courant.com/sports/football/hc-patriots0303.artmar03,0,7316199.story?coll=hc-headlines-football
Make that 6 teams anymore. After brining in Adalius Thomas, there is no way they will also go after Joey Porter. - Jets, Ravens, 49ers, Browns, Cowboys, Dolphins. And the 49ers just signed Nate Clements to the argest contract for a defensive player in NFL history. I don't think they'll try for another huge contract. Down to 5?...
If that happens you know that Belichik is playing out the string there and trying to put together his last great team before he goes.
I don't think it'll happen. The Pats are using Porter to force the Jets into spending way more than they should if they want to sign. After signing Thomas the Pats are expecting a panic move by the Jets. It's a game those pieces of shit up north play.
If I was Porter I would have the Jets at #4 on that list of where I wanted to play. And that is with SF and CLE behind the Jets, but if those teams pay me more, I will play there too.
Good point. :up: I would'nt mind seeing Porter in green and white. Here's a funny thought. Don't know if anyone remembers in December when Porter called Winslow a "fag" and taunted the Browns relentlessly. He always bad mouthed the Browns. That would make for some interesting locker room activities if they get him. :lol:
Joey porter should be priority number one this offseason hes slightly younger than Adalius Thomas and his resume speaks for itself.
If the Ravens couldn't afford to keep Adalius Thomas, I don't know how they'll be able to get Porter who will be just as if not more costly.
how do you put the jets #4? we have a good young defense, play a defense that porter can excel in , we are coming off a playoff season -- dallas nd miami have new coaches, the ravens have ray lewis and I don't think porter will like being overshadowed that much, and cleveland is a disaster where players go to die
Porter=Cox? We know both like to spit in people's faces. For Cox, it was fans in Buffalo. For Joey, it was an opponent. Way back when, it was Cox's vocal leadership that took the Jets over the hump. He made Mo Lewis better. He made Marvin Jones better. At least, he helped motivate them a bit more than mere talent and potential had been doing.Why not move Hobson in the middle with Vilma, keep Barton and line up Porter on the other side. Porter's intangibles might just take Vilma to the next level in the 3-4. "Mind over matter" so to speak. Sign Coleman too. Coleman, Ellis, Robertson, Hobson, Barton, Vilma, Porter could be as nasty as any 3-4 lineup in the league. Wishful thinking is about all the thinking I can think of. Being a Jets fan, of course. In Tangini I trust to do the right thing.
Porter wont be more costly than Porter because Thomas is just the most freakishy gifted linebacker in the nfl today,4.4 speed at 270, plays any lb position,de,dt, safety and has gotten snaps at cornerback.Porter cant do that and even though porter and thomas are the around the same age Thoams has less wear and tear on him since he hasnt had as many snaps as a full time starter like Porter has.
The jets havent made a great off season move since Curtis Martin. Its about time they step up and grab Porter. They faced terrible teams last year and are going to have a harder schedule this year. They NEED to do something to make themselves better.
It would be even nastier if we kept our best pass rusher in the lineup at OLB- Bryan Thomas....and why are we shopping Barton?? I would have him and Hobson battle for the other ILB spot, and rotate the loser of the battle in alot to keep Vilma and everyone fresh....I really think Porter would be an awesome pick up, but I could see us going for an OLB/DE with one of our first 3 picks in the draft.....
They already re-signed backup and young LB Jarrett Johnson to a 3yr/$13m contract to replace Adalius Thomas.
