Adalius Thomas Cut: Should the Cleveland Browns Pursue the Pro Bowler?

The New England Patriots have released two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Adalius Thomas just about one day after the 2010 NFL Draft.

The Pats and Thomas had some good times, but mostly bad times.

Thomas never panned out to become the caliber of pass rusher on Bill Belichick's defense that he wanted him to be after acquiring Thomas for the 2007 season.

In three years, Thomas never had more than 6.5 sacks and that was in his first year with the Pats.

Last year, Thomas was late for two meetings and he blamed the weather for his tardiness both times, but Belichick didn't see it that way and benched him for the game that week against the Panthers.

Thomas was back in the starting lineup the following week, but the disciplinary action left a bad taste in his mouth, and obviously the tardiness left the Pats with a mutual feeling, hence the cut.

Now Thomas is one of the biggest free agent names, if not the biggest, on the market and he could easily land with the Jets, Ravens, Dolphins, Chiefs, and even the Cleveland Browns.

Why the Browns, you ask?

Because the defensive coordinator is Rob Ryan, who is the twin brother of Jet head coach, and former Ravens defensive coordinator who coached Thomas, Rex Ryan.

If the price is right for Thomas the Browns would use a veteran pass rusher on the edge of their 3-4 defense, which Ryan sometimes runs as a 4-6 and 4-3 defense as well depending on the situation.

Ryan may use many formations that are similar to his twin brother since they are both sons of defensive guru Buddy Ryan.

Thomas could step into the Browns' defense already knowing many of the formations since he played for Rex.

Yeah, this is all speculation and blind hope, but there could also be a slim chance that the Browns land Thomas as a dark horse only if the price is right and not too expensive.