Getty ImagesIn a surprise move announced on Saturday afternoon, the New York Jets have cut linebacker Bryan Thomas.
Thomas was the Jets’ first-round pick in the 2002 NFL draft and has been with the team since, playing in 146 regular-season games and 11 playoff games, the second-most postseason appearances for anyone in Jets franchise history.
But the Jets apparently decided they needed depth at cornerback more than they needed another veteran linebacker, because they cut Thomas to open up a roster spot for cornerback Donnie Fletcher, who was signed from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Because he is a vested veteran who was on the roster for Week One, Thomas’s salary is guaranteed. It’s entirely possible that the Jets plan to bring Thomas back, perhaps even as soon as Monday. But for now he’s a free agent, and if there’s someone interested in his services, he could be playing somewhere else for the first time in his NFL career.
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Hello Buffalo.
Its about time….literally.
The age of the Jets LBs are (with Thomas)
Harris — 28
Scott — 31
Pace — 32
Thomas — 33
This geriatric group was an anchor to forward progress.
They cut the wrong LB,Can’t Wait !
Ugh, he’s not on waivers due to the fact that he was a veteran that played Week 1. They’ll probably bring him back Monday.
You should mention he’s hurt and was questionable for the game.
Thomas is one of those homegrown Jets that’s actually pretty darn good (like Harris, Mangold, Pace, Brick etc.) that hardly get any press because of the other clowns they bring in.
I was fairly impressed with Fletcher at BC last year. Could be a good move long term.
Pace came from Arizona
Patriots on line 1.
The Ravens should steal him away, just like the jets did a couple of years ago with Trevor Price.
We’ll take him. He’ll make one helluva tight end for New England!
Hello jets fans….give some insight about this guy….Is he good?
@dubaradhandi
Not really. He’s pretty solid against the run but in coverage he is a total liability and he isn’t capable of rushing the passer very well. If your team runs a 4-3 he could definitely be solid depth and add to leadership but he’s a no go for a 3-4 team. As it is, he’s a vet that played on week 1 so he’s not on waivers, so if the Jets want him back, he’s theirs.
He’s very good at setting the edge thats about it though. He’ll be back Monday anyway. He’s hurt right now so they need roster spot. Same as the Chargers are doing for the game.
Damn straight he’s good. Not spectacular, but as solid as they come. The Jets were down a CB with Lankster out and Thomas is hurt too and wasn’t going to play anyway on Sunday. So they signed Fletcher from the Practice Squad for insurance. Thomas will be re-signed Monday.
Vikes could use him. Vikes could use a lot of guys :/
First of all Calvin Pace is not a “home grown” NYjet. Hes from Arizona, as far as Bryan Thomas goes he has been a solid LB throughout his career here in NY. I think that he should be back but also at the same time i wouldnt completely surprise me if the Bills or Pats take a stab at picking him up. He has been nagged with injuries the past few years and obviously as time goes on and players get older he has lost a step or two. Im not 100% thrilled about the move but i think i think they’ll be alright ….