Chance for LB Thomas to join Saints is small

While the New Orleans Saints did not address much help to their defense after the three-day 2010 NFL draft, there is a good defensive lineman available now as the New England Patriots just released 11-year veteran Adalius Thomas. However, analysts pointed out that Thomas would not be a good solution to Saints’ defensive problems.



Solely looking at Thomas’ statistics could give us an impression that he could do well both at linebacker and defensive end, and his versatility could help the Saints a lot in improving the relatively weak defense line. Joining the Patriots in 2007 as a free agent, Thomas has had 146 tackles, 14 sacks, 14 pass deflections, 2 forced fumbles and 1 interception returned for a touchdown. During the first seven seasons he spent with the Baltimore Ravens, Thomas made two Pro Bowls respectively in 2003 and 2006. However, the main factor preventing him from putting on the Saints jersey could be the 3-4 schemes he has been used to play in.

Both the Ravens and Patriots hold 3-4 schemes and thus Thomas has been a 3-4 defensive player for his entire career and it would be hard for him to adjust to Saints’ 4-3 scheme. Although there are good examples of 3-4 linebacker making successful transition to 4-3 defensive end, it’s just unlikely to happen with Thomas. Even if the Saints are interested in signing him, Thomas himself may just hesitate to accept the offer. Instead, he could possibly choose the New York Jets, who are also interested and hold a 3-4 scheme.