http://patriots.bostonherald.com/patriots/view.bg?articleid=186089Making one of the boldest strikes in franchise history, the Patriots [team stats] tonight have agreed to a preliminary deal with free agent linebacker Adalius Thomas. According to sources with knowledge of the negotiations, the Patriots beat out the 49ers for Thomas, a Pro Bowler and jewel of the free agent class who is considered a prototypical fit for the Patriots’ 3-4 system. “Thomas is done there,†the source said. Terms were not immediately available, but it’s worth noting that cornerback Nate Clements has agreed to an eight-year, $80 million deal with the 49ers that included more than $20 million in guaranteed money.
Nicknamed “Slash†for his ability to play any linebacker spot as well as defensive end, defensive tackle, safety and even corner, the 6-foot-2, 270-pound Thomas made one Pro Bowl on special teams and another at linebacker with the Ravens. He recorded a career-high 11 sacks in 2006 and gives the Patriots a formidable linebacking corps that also includes Tedy Bruschi [stats], Mike Vrabel and Rosevelt Colvin.
Selected in the sixth round of the 2000 draft, 13 picks ahead of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady [stats], Thomas worked his way from special teams to starter.
He was only available because the Ravens chose not to franchise him for $7.2 million.
“That was not an 11th-hour decision,†said Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome. “We’ve been facing that since the beginning of training camp, knowing that we could have to make that decision. I think it was a fair decision. I think it was fair for the organization and for A.D. I think it was the fair thing to do.â€
The Patriots would apparently agree.
Oh well! There's always Joey Porter!