One day after saying the ideal scenario would be to sign free-agent LB Adalius Thomas this week so he could play Thursday night in the final pre-season game, New York Jets coach Rex Ryan backed off Monday, indicating that's not likely to happen.
"No, I don't think so," Ryan said. "I was wanting to before, to give him an opportunity to see if he's still the same guy. That would've made the decision really easy. But, really, we need to give these (other) guys a good look."
Here's the deal: As a vested veteran, Thomas' salary (likely $855,000) would be guaranteed if he's on the opening-day roster. The Jets probably wanted to bring him in for the Philadelphia finale, evaluate him, release him and re-sign him after Week 1 -- unless, of course, he looked great against the Eagles. Thomas told Sports Illustrated's Peter King Monday that he's interested in signing with the Jets, but he said GM Mike Tannenbaum doesn't want him until after Week 1.
That contradicts what Ryan said Sunday. It looks like Ryan and Tannenbaum initially had different thoughts on how to approach Thomas. Now it appears as if they're going the Tannenbaum route.
If nothing else, the waiting time will allow the Jets to evaluate other outside linebackers on their roster, namely Jamaal Westerman and Vernon Gholston.
Yes, Gholston. Even though he was moved to defensive end, he's still getting reps at outside linebacker. In fact, he expects to start there against the Eagles. Bryan Thomas and Jason Taylor, along with the other starts, won't play in the game.
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