The New York Jets had a really good defense last year, and they are going to do everything they can to make sure it stays good while they look to improve the offense.
To that end, the Jets are bringing back Solomon Thomas on yet another one year deal to remain in New York.
The 28-year old Thomas signed a one-year deal with the Jets in 2022 and again in 2023. Both contracts were for just over two million each.
Thomas is considered one of the leaders not only on the defense, but in the locker room. He was the Jets nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the league's most prestigious honor and acknowledges NFL players who excel on the field and demonstrate a passion for creating a lasting positive impact beyond the game in their communities.
Drafted third overall by the San Francisco 49ers back in 2017, He played his first four years in San Francisco before signing a one year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders and then made his way to the Jets.
Last year, Thomas appeared in all 17 games and racked up 31 tackles, including 7 for loss and five sacks as a rotational piece along Robert Saleh's defense.
He will now join a defensive line rotation that added Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu to go along with Quinnen Williams. The Jets lost Bryce Huff after he signed a massive deal with the Eagles as well as Quinton Jefferson who is joining the Cleveland Browns.
Jets Not Done Adding to D-Line
Thomas won't be the last piece the Jets add to their defensive front as reports from Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports former Baltimore Raven Jadeveon Clowney will visit the Jets next week. Clowney has been making the rounds and met with the Panthers on Thursday.
Clowney, a former No. 1 overall pick, has played for five different teams by signing a series of one-year contracts. He was drafted by the Texans in 2014 and after five seasons there played one season in Seattle, one in Tennessee, two in Cleveland and one in Baltimore.
Clowney, 31, tied his career high with 9.5 sacks last season with the Ravens. The Jets will look to bolster their outside pass rush after losing out on Bryce Huff. Clowney would join second year man Will McDonald IV and Jermaine Johnson on the edge to provide some pressure.
Final Thought
Thomas is not a guy you want to let walk out of your locker room with how well he is respected. He is as good of a situational player as you will find in the NFL and is paid like it.
Clowney would be as close to a "splash" signing as the Jets would have this year. Clowney is a good all around player who has some trouble staying on the field. He would make a great hired gun if the Jets can find a salary that worked for both sides.
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