New York Jets Reportedly Interested in LB Adalius Thomas

Originally published on: http://mtrmedia.com/jetsjive (The best source for Jets news, analysis, and insight on the web - Jets Jive)

The New England Patriots, as expected, released Adalius Thomas yesterday. The veteran linebacker hasn’t meshed with the Pats at all and it was widely speculated that he would be a free agent at some point this offseason.

The only question at this point is: are the Jets interested? Sources within the organization say that they are.

Bart Scott suggested a couple of months ago that Adalius Thomas wants to play for Rex again; he played for Ryan on the Ravens just a few years ago. Thomas denied these assertions, but that very well could’ve been a last-ditch effort to retain his status with New England.

In his best season under Ryan, Thomas registered 83 tackles, 11 sacks, an interception, and a touchdown. If you look at his stats, you’ll notice that he had an immediate drop-off when he joined the Patriots. Maybe it was Belichick’s style of defense that didn’t fit him. Maybe it was the players surrounding him. I can’t say for sure, but I can tell you this, it wasn’t age.

Players don’t dominate like AT did on the Ravens for multiple years only to see an immediate decline. Instead, they typically decline over time, slowly losing steam before eventually ending their career. I think that if Adalius were to play for a Rex Ryan style of defense once again, he would absolutely be able to play like himself.

The Jets have already stated that they have interest in Thomas. Roderick Boone of the Boston Herald reported earlier today that a source informed him of this interest.

It is not a surprise to me, even with the Jason Taylor signing coming just a week ago. They did acquire JT to play at Thomas’s position, but the fact that Taylor isn’t a guarantee definitely makes Adalius a tempting insurance policy (actually…he would probably end up starting at the position if the Jets signed him).

Check back throughout the day for updates on the day-old Adalius Thomas Saga. We’re sure to hear more rumors throughout the day.