Solomon Thomas returning to Jets on one-year deal, source says
Solomon Thomas of the Jets reacts after his second-quarter sack of Tua Tagovailoa of the Dolphins at MetLife Stadium on Nov. 24, 2023. Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Jets are bringing back an important piece of their defensive line.
Tackle Solomon Thomas is returning to the Jets on a one-year deal, a league source said. Although the Jets already signed two interior defensive linemen in free agency, it was expected that Thomas would be back.
Thomas, 28, is coming off one of the most productive seasons in his seven-year career and is a favorite of coach Robert Saleh.
The 49ers drafted Thomas in the first round in 2017, Saleh’s first season as San Francisco’s defensive coordinator. The Jets initially signed Thomas in 2022. Last season, he had a career-high five sacks and 31 tackles in 17 games as part of the Jets’ defensive line rotation.
The Jets probably are done at defensive tackle now after re-upping with Thomas and signing free agents Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu earlier this week to be part of a group that’s led by two-time Pro Bowler Quinnen Williams.
They’re in the market for an edge rusher though after losing Bryce Huff, who led them with 10 sacks last season, to the Eagles on Monday. The Jets could turn to veteran Jadeveon Clowney as Huff’s replacement.
Clowney is scheduled to meet with Jets on Tuesday. Clowney, a three-time Pro Bowler, had 9.5 sacks for the Ravens last year. He’s also met with Panthers and has other visits planned.
General manager Joe Douglas still needs to do more on the offensive side of the ball. The Jets need a left tackle and a wide receiver.
Some receivers came off the board Thursday night as Keenan Allen was traded from the Chargers to the Bears for a fourth-round pick, Marquise Brown signed with Kansas City and Curtis Samuel with the Bills.
There are still a number of receivers the Jets could pursue, including Mike Williams, Tyler Boyd, Odell Beckham Jr., Hunter Renfrow and Marquez Valdes-Scantling. Douglas could trade for a receiver, as well.
The top tackles available are former Cowboy Tyron Smith and ex-Packer David Bakhtiari, who is close friends with Aaron Rodgers.
The Jets are in the process of rebuilding their offensive line. They acquired right tackle Morgan Moses in a trade with Baltimore and signed ex-Ravens left guard John Simpson to join right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker and center Joe Tippmann up front.
Cornerback Bryce Hall, a fifth-round pick in 2020 and former starter, won’t be back with the Jets. He’s heading to the Buccaneers, who also signed ex-Jets safety Jordan Whitehead this week.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
