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Zach Back In Texas
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ESPN is reporting that the Cowboys have signed ex-Dolphins LB Zach Thomas to an incentive-laden one-year contract. This looks like a great move for Dallas. Thomas, released by Miami last week, could play the same disruptive role in the 3-4 defense that Junior Seau played for the Patriots the last coupla years. In fact, according to ESPN, Thomas chose the Cowboys over similar offers from New England and New Orleans.
I thought ILB was somewhat of a weak spot for the Cowboys defense last season. That's why I wanted Dallas to pick up Jonathan Vilma, who everyone knew wasn't gonna return to the Jets next year, and sure enough in the same update that I heard the Thomas-to-Dallas news, ESPN just said Vilma was given permission by the Jets to seek a trade.
Zach Thomas, the former Texas Tech star, is a better fit for the Cowboys. He's an inspirational, gutsy, overachieving player -- and that kind of stuff rubs off on the rest of the team. Thomas is still only 34 years old (Seau just turned 39!), so as long as the concussion trouble doesn't resurface next year, he's got at least 2-3 years left in the tank.
It looks like Dallas will now release Akin Ayodele, who started for them the last few seasons but never really distinguished himself. That gives Dallas a starting linebacker corps of Thomas and Bradie James in the middle, with DeMarcus Ware on one side and either Greg Ellis or Anthony Spencer on the other. That's pretty damn good. You can definitely win with that crew.
At least the Cowboys are making moves, trying to improve. That's all you can ask for as a fan. And Zach Thomas over Akin Ayodele should be an upgrade...hands down, hands up, whichever way you wanna wave 'em. Let's coach 'em up and send 'em out there to hit someone wearing the other jersey!
