DALLAS (AP) -Linebacker Zach Thomas appears headed back to Texas to play for the Dallas Cowboys in the state where he was a high school and college standout before 12 seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Thomas has reportedly reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the Cowboys.
A story on the Cowboys’ Web site Saturday said the seven-time Pro Bowl player met team officials at the scouting combine in Indianapolis and was expected to sign a contract. There were numerous reports, including the Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram, that Thomas and the Cowboys had agreed on a $3 million, one-year deal.
Thomas’ agent, Drew Rosenhaus, didn’t return messages left by The Associated Press. Cowboys officials also didn’t respond.
Thomas was released Feb. 14 by the Dolphins, part of the massive rebuilding project being overseen in Miami by new vice president of football operations Bill Parcells, the former Cowboys coach.
The 34-year-old linebacker said after his release from the Dolphins that he planned to play with another team next season, more than likely one that can contend for a Super Bowl title – and give Thomas a chance at winning his first championship.
“I am healthy and look forward to playing in 2008, but will always consider myself a Miami Dolphin,” Thomas said then.
Thomas also visited with officials from the New England Patriots and New Orleans Saints.
But Thomas is a native of Pampa, Texas, and then went to Texas Tech. The Dolphins selected the 5-foot-11 linebacker 154th overall out of Tech in 1996, and he led them in tackles 10 times and is the teams’ career leader in that category.
Thomas missed most of last season because of concussions and migraines and was placed on injured reserve against his wishes in December because of nagging migraines, an aftereffect of an Oct. 21 car crash.
He played 168 games in Miami, the most by a defensive player in Dolphins history. He had a career-best 165 tackles in 2006.
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