Good luck Zach, just don't go to New England
I want to wish Zach Thomas all the best as he turns the final corner and heads for the wire of his NFL career.
The report from Foxsports.com is true. He will be cut later today. As we speak the Dolphins are in meetings trying to figure out how to break this news to their fans without causing a general revolt.
Regardless of how the public relations part of this is handled -- and I believe it will be by no one actually making themselves available to answer questions because, you see, that's the Dolphins way now. It's called hiding behind a dictated and vague statement even when you're whacking one of the team's most popular and highly decorated players.
But I digress.
Here is my concern: I am told by a source close to Thomas that he is healthy and can and would like to play in 2008. But he wants to play for a Super Bowl caliber team. So what's the concern?
That he'll end up playing for New England.
Personally, I am sick and tired of watching players the Dolphins discard winding their way to New England and ballin' like there is no tomorrow. You saw it with Heath Evans, Wes Welker, Junior Seau and others. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, you might see it with Thomas also.
As you know the Patriots have uncertain linebacker issues, particularly with their inside linebackers. Seau is older than the moon and unsigned for the 2008 season. Tedy Bruschi is a couple of years younger than Seau, but similarly is unsigned. Thomas is better than either one of them.
Thomas is familiar to the Patriots because they've suffered at his hand for quite some time. That was Zach that knocked out a Patriots wide receiver in his first game in 1996. That was Thomas who studied Bruschi and then played better than Bruschi in 2005 when the Dolphins started running a 3-4 similar to the one the Pats run. And that is Zach who will get a big endorsement from Nick Saban when Bill Belichick asks his friend about the former linebacker.
So the pegs are in place for Thomas to leave South Florida. He will go only to a Super Bowl-caliber team. Unfortunately, it may be the team that has embarrassed the Dolphins in the past by picking up Miami discards and making them look like treasure.
The report from Foxsports.com is true. He will be cut later today. As we speak the Dolphins are in meetings trying to figure out how to break this news to their fans without causing a general revolt.
Regardless of how the public relations part of this is handled -- and I believe it will be by no one actually making themselves available to answer questions because, you see, that's the Dolphins way now. It's called hiding behind a dictated and vague statement even when you're whacking one of the team's most popular and highly decorated players.
But I digress.
Here is my concern: I am told by a source close to Thomas that he is healthy and can and would like to play in 2008. But he wants to play for a Super Bowl caliber team. So what's the concern?
That he'll end up playing for New England.
Personally, I am sick and tired of watching players the Dolphins discard winding their way to New England and ballin' like there is no tomorrow. You saw it with Heath Evans, Wes Welker, Junior Seau and others. Unfortunately for the Dolphins, you might see it with Thomas also.
As you know the Patriots have uncertain linebacker issues, particularly with their inside linebackers. Seau is older than the moon and unsigned for the 2008 season. Tedy Bruschi is a couple of years younger than Seau, but similarly is unsigned. Thomas is better than either one of them.
Thomas is familiar to the Patriots because they've suffered at his hand for quite some time. That was Zach that knocked out a Patriots wide receiver in his first game in 1996. That was Thomas who studied Bruschi and then played better than Bruschi in 2005 when the Dolphins started running a 3-4 similar to the one the Pats run. And that is Zach who will get a big endorsement from Nick Saban when Bill Belichick asks his friend about the former linebacker.
So the pegs are in place for Thomas to leave South Florida. He will go only to a Super Bowl-caliber team. Unfortunately, it may be the team that has embarrassed the Dolphins in the past by picking up Miami discards and making them look like treasure.
posted by Armando Salguero at 1:23 PM
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I love Zach, but we can't operate with the mentality of what happens if he goes to NE. Sure Zach would upgrade the Pats, but they are already close. The Fins are so far away from being successful, clearly the smart move is to save the money and build the future. I'm almost crying as I say this, but it's the right move!
Zach, God bless you and good luck finding a super bowl contendng home, just PLEASE do not do it in New England... How about Indy, they could use some help on "D". How about San Diego??? Similar weather to South Florida and imagine Zach roaming without the double teams get now gets because they have Merriaman and Shaun Phillips to attrack the attention of the opposing team "O". Thank you for all your years of service to this organization. Please just follow the crowd to New England, for all us fans of the Phins...
This total BS!!!
- One PISSED OFF Dolphins fan.
I don't understnd this at all. Yes I am a huge Zach Thomas fan but I am a Dolphin fan first. I want what is best for the team. I know they will save a lot of cash but why couldn't they trade him and get a 3rd or 4th round pick? Is that too much to ask for a player of Zachs character and talent? Cut Zach Thomas?! I don't get this one at all. I find it very hard to believe that there isn't someone out there that would give us something for him. NYScott
oop's, meant please DO NOT follow the crowd to New England... (see above...
This hurts........thats all I got, im almost tearing up thinkin bout it.
Crowder....you got some BIG shoes to fill.
I have been a phins fan for 18 years. I love Zach. And it hurts to write this but if the Dolphins want to re build and get back to form to eventually win a Super Bowl then this is what you have to do. It sucks but Zach is not going to win a Championship in South Florida. If he goes to NE then he goes to NE. I hate the Pats more than prob any other team in sports but if it happens then it happens. here is hoping he goes to Indy or SD.
Thanks Zach for everything.
My feelings exactly. I am sick and tired of the Dolphins deciding some players aren't good enough anymore, then they go to the Super Bowl with new England while the Dolphins remain in the toilet.
vague and hiding behind the press release? Like reporting that the Fins think Zach is goldbricking his head injury but not saying it was Randy Mueller???????
Good luck Zach.
It's time for a change people. How many playoff games has Zach helped the team win? He's great at making a tackle 10 yards downfield. We've changed the coaches and management enough..Perhaps it's time to change the core of the team....
Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Albert Einstein
Armando you know and you reporters have written, that Zach and Jason hate the Jets and hate the PAts, and his sister is married ot JT. I think Zach would rthaer go play for SD or Indy and help knock out the Pats!
Armando, your right. The title says it all. Good post. Anyone but the cheating Patriots.
Does loyalty in sports mean anything to anyone any more? Zack bleeds aqua and green and always will;how do you think Jason Taylor will react to his wife giving him an ear full of anger for treating her brother this way;the one shining light we have is now being turned off.Let's hope the light is not turned back on in New England
Look everyone Zach next to Marino is my favorite player to play the game. So why get mad if he goes to New England??? Let him get a ring! Great I will cheer for them and him if he does. The Phins aren't going anywhere for a while let him get a ring and then turn around and retire as a Dolphin. He's going to the HOF as a Dolphin guys nothing else. Also Jeff Ireland before you try to cut someone with some value why not try to trade first you big idiot! Here we go another GM that will be fired next year for bonehead moves!
don't you think Jeff Ireland scoured the market before cutting Zach? How many teams would trade for a 34 year old linebacker who doesn't remember his name and pay him $5 Million? Remember, Randy Mueller is not out there to trade with.
THANKS FOR EVERYTHING ZACH! BUT ITS TIME TO MOVE ON, THE PHINS NEED NEW BLOOD, THEY NEED TO GO IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION!
A team that goes 1-15 shouldnt be cutting talented players. Zach Thomas is a tackling machine.Good Luck finding a LB like that again.If professional football is a talent aqusition business,would'nt it be smart to keep talent?
Zach won't go to the Patriots. I can't just fathom that thought. We'll miss you, Zach!
Good luck Zach in NE!! It would serve the Dolphins right if you ended up being the starting MLB on a Super Bowl winning team next season.
Bellichik would never sign Zach to be a starter or even close to anything that would play on his defense, maybe a special teamer, but Zach is better than that. Look at the size of NE LB's, it's just not Bellichik's style to use small linebackers. I would look for him to land at a team that runs the cover 2, like Indy or Tampa.
Armando,
You're such a tool. Get a life. Zach is not discarded by the dolphins. He is and will be a dolphin for ever. If he goes to the pats so be it. I don't think zach wanted to restructure his contract and spending 8 million on a player that might be injured after the first game is a gamble. Hopefully he'll go to another team than the pats but this is a business and the phins are re-building. He wants a ring. Let him be and let the coaches do what they have to do
Healty? I think not...you don't get your brains scrambled and be healthy later. Zack is too old for any team now and what team will sign him for anything more than vet pay? Zack will shop around...but like Marino come to his senses and retire with his millions.
>>>Zach Thomas is a tackling machine.<<< Zach has always had great tackling numbers, but look at game footage -- especially in recent years -- and watch how far the ball carrier goes after initial contact by Zach. Tackling a lot doesn't mean much if it's accompanied by big gains and first downs. He also had many missed tackles. He had quantity in tackles, but not quality. He was also a huge liability in pass coverage.
The football gods will punish us again for this horrible and disrespectful move. OJ McDuffie, Marino, now Zach! Zach has been the heart and soul of our franchise for 10 plus years even while Marino was a Fin. He deserved better than this.
Some anonymous sphincter says Zach is not discarded? What do you call it when he gets cut, anus?
Excellent blog post, Armando. Anywhere but New England.
Who is this Zach Thomas you keep referencing?
Sincerely,
Zach Thomas
You guys need to stop looking over your shoulder. New England this, New England that, whatever.
They let Zach go. Its done. I like the football player and respect the man, but that is football from pee-wee all the way to the bright lights. It happened to Marino, Montana, and everyone that ever put on a jersey at that level unless they quit early.
Show some class as fans and dont cry in your beer- he's a man. You're a man. This is our team. Lets start over and get on gettin' on. And by the way, F*** New England.
Has anyone thought of him going to Dallas as in Cowboys? I don't think he will go to NE either, but you never know, plus its his choice now that the Fins have made theirs. Anyway, I wonder if releasing him and resigning him (vet minimum or something) was discussed? Guess we'll never know.
I love Zach too but he held all the cards there is no way we could have traded him with the salary he had for 2008 and the injury concerns someone would need to accept.
I wish Zach well and would love to have him back at a lower salary, he gave so much to this team I would be happy to see him win a championship with someone else even the Patriots.
lehrman, you're an idiot! So NFL teams now have to consider what players' wives and sisters will say before making personel moves? You should be a GM!
ZT scouting report:
Overrated small guy who got pushed around in the 4th quarter. JJ's protoypical small MLB ala Ken Norton Jr/ Jack Del Rio and like them- made lots of tackles because the 3-4 scheme Miami ran funelled it all to him where he made lots of tackes after 5 yard runs and 10 yard passes.
HOF prospects: 0 (get over it now)
Football is a big boys game - good big people beat good little people.
Bill Parcells welcome to town. Bring on the big boys and lets get to hurting people like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Phillip Rivers.
A new era about to begin- cap space, draft picks and accountability. Gotta love it.
Jason Taylor = 2nd round pick
Trade pot head too - after showcasing him for 6-8 games send him to Raider nation for a 3-4 rounder after Vargas is exposed for the fake he is. More draft picks for us hooo hah hooo hahahh
hooo hahhhhh More more more ... Yes thats right, lots of young impressionable guys for Parcellls to scare the s*** out of and make into a well oiled winning machine.
Porter sucks and we are stuck with a cap hit, but don't be suprised if Parcells gets tired of his mouth and lameness and cuts fat head after year 2 or 3.
I will welcome Zach to the Patriots. We'll enjoy helping him get that super bowl ring to end his career with.
Can we trade Armandoope to the pats ? I'd take a can of pepsi. Stop crying about the mean Dolphins, they don't talk to you because you're a terrible reporter.
A proven Dolphin hater, remember cheering for them to lose ? So bug off !
Did you guys ever think that Zach told Sparano or Ireland that he would like to play for a ring next year and we're honoring his behind-closed-doors request? Armando, you sound like a child by complaining that the front office won't cater to you and divulge all info before it's made public. They probably cut off your "source" as well. It would have been nice to try and get a low pick (6th round?) for him, but I would bet Ireland explored that option. Bottom line: This was a necessary move ($6 million salary for an aging lb with concussion concerns). Thanks for the great, great years Zach.
He's more than welcome to sign anywhere he wants as far as I'm concerned. 11 years of 110% effort, fearlessness, and leadership... leave Zach Thomas owing no one in Miami squat.
I'd hate to see Zach in a Cheats uni too, but if thats the decision he makes... more power to him. It won't take a single thing away from what he did in Miami for 11 years, and it won't change how this fan thinks about him one iota.
Honestly, I hope the guy plays 5 more years (safely), and grabs Mr. Tuna's attention very forcefully - every time he plays the Dolphins.
Thanks for the memories Zach!
As A Dolphin Fan it hurts to see a guy go who's gone to War for us and unfortunately he wasn't able to win a ring with the Dolphins... The NFL is a BUSINESS though and for us to move ahead as a Franchise, this had to be done to help build for the future. I agree though, I hope he doesn't go to the Cheaters, but I hope he can win a Ring somewhere else. He is one of my Favorite Players and I'm still in shock with his release. I still say we could've at least gotten a 5th or 6th rounder for him but I'm going to have to Trust the Big Tuna to bring this Franchise back into being a contender. Just Sad we had to let Zack Go... I'm sure IF he plays the Dolphins next year he will haunt us with some outstanding plays. I hope when he's ready to Retire the we sign him to a one day contract so he can Retire as a Dolphin... Good Luck Zack! We'll miss you in Agua and Orange!! ~ Ramon (Cali_Dolfan)
Armando is there anyways you could ever get zach thomas to do a live blog or somthing. there isnt a person who wouldnt lovee to hear from him one last time before he goes... Or dont you have the connections. Zach just seems like the kind of guy who would pay that kind of respect to his fans. But i dont know the guy
as long as they keep jason taylor i'll live with the other guys, chambers and now zach sting a bit by i can live with those decisions because its the inevitable but not taylor. if he finishes a dolphin, they should put a statue of him on the other side from marino's. anybody but "99"!!!!!!!!
I am a huge Zack Thomas fan. He is one of my favorite Fins of all-time, and I hate to see him go. He is a high character guy, over achiever, and total class act. The truth is, he is damaged goods. Look at Trent Green, once a player suffers serious concussions, the liklihood of reoccurent concussions is not a matter of if, but when. It wouldn't even take a big hit, and we all know that Zack hits like a wrecking ball. We just cannot afford that kind of liabilty in the middle of our defense, just look at last year. I wish Zack the best...but this probably was the right move for the team...
First of all, I wish Zach the best wherever he goes, even New England. I hope he lands with a team next year who is able to get him a ring. After all, if he stayed in Miami, he was not going to get one before he retired. It'll be 3-4 years before we get to that point. And, if he does go to New England, it does not guarantee a ring. Just ask those former Dolphins on New England's squad now.
After saying all that, I am pleased with the move. The NFL is a business, and it has never been more apparent than in this era of free agency. So, in the past few days, we have cleared a ton of cap space for guys who really weren't in our future plans (either due to injuries, age, work ethic, and so on). Now we have money to make a number of moves in free agency to bolster the o-line (Faneca, Flozell) or defense (Asante, Sopoaga - who I think is a RFA, Briggs) without seriously putting a stranglehold on our team.
It's tough watching this team get gutted, but it was even worse watching the team get to the point where it HAD to be gutted. I think we are on the right track...
Parcells is just trying to make something happen.
Goodluck to Zach, its been awesome watching you play and dominate, hope you end up on a SuperBowl contender preferably in the AFC......you have suffered enough in these past few years of mediocrity......your high-quality play, heart and passion for the game will always be remembered....
This is a very sad day for me as a fan...Zach was a great MLB...One of the best in the bast 11 or so years he has been in the league...It was funny because I live in Virginia and when I was the 1st person in my area to wear that number 54 proudly every one thought I was crazy...My old college English professor still brings that up...How he had never heard of him until I started wearing the jersey and he started racking up the stats...Although Zach will surely be missed, I think this move was for the best...He was getting old, too many concusions and its only far to him that this happened...They would not have gotten much for him in all honesty...1 because of of salary...2 because of the concusions...and 3 because he is going to be 35...Its not fair to us but its fair and the right thing to do for him...I would love to see him retire and save his health, but he is a warrior...And he wants what Marino never got...He wants that title..And as long as its not with the Patsies, I will still continue to root for him and wear that 54 Dolphin jersey with pride...I said the same thing when Marino was forced out...If he would have gone to the Steelers or the Vikings I would have rooted for him to win that title because in my heart I knew he would retire and go into the hall of fame as a Dolphin...So here is to you Zach, I say with a heavey heart...Its been great watching you over the years...
What makes so many of you assume that the Patriots will win the Super Bowl? Don't you remember they were considered the "Greatest Team in NFL History" and lost to the Giants? I'm amazed by some of your feelings toward the Pats. It would be nice for Zach to get a ring but with the Patriots? Give me a break. Some of you fans need to get your priorities straight.
Fact, Zach Thomas cannot cover to save his life and that is why we always lost to teams that knew that, check your old video recordings. He is very good against the run but has been slowing down for the last 2 years. Facts are facts, its not personal.
So its a great move, I do think he is a great player. He is probably the best linebacker we presently have too. That is really the problem, we need good linebackers and he shines even more because of that.
As a fan, I am not happy with this move. But I know deep down, this is the right move to make. And regardless of where Zach goes, even if it is the New Zealand Fatheads, I will still support him in his Super Bowl chase. It's the least I can do for all the years of loyalty he has given to me as a fan! The Dolphins will be back on top again! Just without Zach. And thank you Mr. Thomas for all your years as a Dolphin!
Gutted. Zach is a Fins legend, but I have to understand why from his point of view. I REALLY hope this turns out to be the right thing for us in the long term, though I've thought that before and been disappointed.
Just don't go to New England Zach....please !
Ironically, Zach would probably be more familiar with his 2008 teammates in New England than he would with his 2008 teammates in Miami.
Good Riddance, hopefully he takes his brother-in-law with him.
I am for the team. and agree with the previous post, who would want to pay him 5+million, so he can have another concussion. Good bye and Go Phins
Thanks so much Zach.
I have only two jerseys.
Marino 13 and
Thomas 54
Thanks again, you will be dolphin for ever.
From Mexico.
Zach...you are a man's man, and a consummate pro. I thank you for all your years of selfless play, and I hope you finally get that Super Bowl ring you so richly deserve.
Not even a draft pick in return. They lost me with this move. If they purge Jason I will be a Patriots fan.
Zach, Just want to say Good luck to one of the hardest hitters to ever put on the uniform. Thanks for 12 years of GREAT memories. I wish you the best where ever you go. Hopefully you get the ring you so deserve!!!
Oh.My.God.
This saddens me to no end. I absolutely hate the idea of Zach not ending his career in Miami. Moreover, it sickens me (especially, if he does end up in New England).
Thank you, Zach, for all your Dolphin seasons. I wish you the best of luck and much healthiness.
And to think we could have had a future upgrade at ILB, tackling machine and perennial Pro Bowler Patrick Willis with our #9 pick last year instead of the Ted Ginn family. Thanks Randy and Ginn suck up Cameron. Hope you enjoyed spending the holidays with the Ginn family.
JUST LIKE ALL THE REST OF THE DOLPHINS.. I'M SURE HE WILL BE A GOOD FIT FOR THE PATS AND HE WILL FEEL RIGHT AT HOME WITH ALL THE OTHER DOLPHINS ON THAT TEAM.
WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO THE GOOD OLD DAYS WHEN TEAMS WOULD NEVER, EVER TRAID OR GIVE UP A PLAYER TO ANOTHER TEAM IN THIER OWN DIVISION.
BEST OF LUCK ZACK, YOU ARE AN INSPERATION TO YOUNG KIDS AND PLEASE JUST RETIRE A DOLPHIN... BETTER YET, THE DOLPHINS WHOULD HIRE HIM TO BE THIER LINBACKER COACH.
It is annoying when ex-Miami players end up in NE and do well BUT besides Wes Welker that isn't entirely true. I think Welker is the only actual STARTER. Seau made some plays last year but not enough to be a true starter. It also helps that NE had so much talent around him. NE was fully-loaded and just needed a few tweaks (Welker, Seau, etc.). When you have players like Brady, Moss, and Maroney...of course Welker is gonna look like Miami never should have traded him. And as far as Seau goes he couldn't even stay healthy long enough to play a full game his last year or so in Miami. I'll miss seeing ZT around but unless you are a team that is already loaded then there really is no place for oft-injured veterans...not matter how good the memories.
Zach, thank you for all the great years. I remember when you beat out Jack Del Rio for your spot. You will always be a hero for the Dolphins. Good luck with a better team, you deserve a shot at a superbowl even if its with the Patriots. Good luck pal. - Bad Karma.
Zach, go to the Patriots if thats what it takes. We will still love you. You deserve a ring for sticking with this shitty franchise all these years. Take JT with you too! Go for it! - Good Karma
This is the new "St Valentine's Day Massacre" What a shame. Zach you are Class, pure Class. Tears swelled in my eyes as the day Dan left. I understand it's a business. Please don't go to the Pats or Bills or stinking Jets. As much as I respect and admire you, I would have to root against you if you went, even to win the ring. Retire, become our linebackers coach. You, as Dan was, are the face of the DOLPHINS.
Thank you zack for all your effort and hard work - you will be missed!
I hope that where ever you go you get your ring if even if it is to the Paties - but no 19 -0. 18 - 1 is okay.
It has become painfully obvious why the Dophins can not manage w winning season, the front office has it's head stuck straight up their collective asses.
I don't blame Zach for wanting to move, any player worth his salt would.
Does anyone besides myself see this as a fool's move on the part of management?
Maybe they really don't want to win, hence giving away first round draft picks!
Armando wishes he was half the reporter Ethan is over at the sentinel. Stop crying about everything Armando, and stop talking like you speak for all Dolphins fans. A revolt? Because you say so? People get cut pal, life goes on. We all love Zach but only someone with an over inflated ego like you Armando would try to make an issue where there isnt one.
We love Zach and wish him the best. Now if only we could cut Armando we would be in even better shape. Maybe we can talk to Parcells about that...
New dolphins management are not idiots, they tried to trade Zach but if it happens it will take too much time and neither Zach and they have time. Because Zach was always an example and one of the greatest dolphins' players they decided to released and give him the possibility to find a contender team. I don't care where Zach ends up I will cheer for him
Anonymous @ 8:16a.m. Who in their right mind would give up a 1st round pick for a 35 y/o concussed linebacker?
reading all your comments makes me feel better. cuz i see that alot of you phinfans feel the same way i do.
i live out in los angeles & have no phinsfan to talk to. when i found out that he was released my eyes started tearing up.
all the best to zach thomas.
he will be missed.
please dont go to the pats!!!
The best in basketball,the best in baseball now one of the best in football. It's not looking like s.florida is serious about bringing a winning team to this area !
Zach thomas is my favorite player ever, im 18 years old and remember my dad talking about him when he first came into the league and i was 6 years old. I am a huge dolphin fan, but the great thing is we fans can pull for whichever team he goes to, because i dont see us winning in for awhile. I hope he goes to Dallas cuz i live in Dallas and that would be great.
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