New Jets defenseman Solomon Thomas expects big things in 2022.
“I’m looking forward to getting started,” Thomas said on a Zoom call Wednesday. “I’m looking forward to dominating.”
Thomas, who was ranked No. 3 overall at Stanford by the 49ers in 2017, admits his performance in the NFL wasn’t what he expected. Thomas has 9.5 sacks in five years. But Thomas said he’s feeling good now that he’s two years away from his cruciate ligament rupture and ready to play at a higher level.
“I haven’t shown exactly what I wanted to do over the years,” Thomas said. “My production is not there. I’ve had a good year here or there. I had good games. Most importantly, I show up every day and try to be the best teammate I can be. I try to put masterful effort and championship-level professionalism into a program every day that I can. That’s what I’m here for. I know that my personal production can increase greatly. I know I can be a much better player in this league.”
Thomas signed a one-year contract with the Jets and welcomed the chance to reunite with Jets coach Robert Saleh, who was his defensive coordinator at San Francisco from 2017-2020. Thomas said he spoke to the Jets in free agency last season but went to the Raiders instead. This year he said he wanted to join the Jets.
Solomon Thomas with the Raiders on December 20, 2021. Getty Images
“You’re attractive for many reasons,” Thomas said. “It’s a young, hungry team. You look at the talent on the team, with some of the guys that are here, a young, hungry quarterback, a very young and talented D-line. I was also very attracted to coach Saleh because he knew how he takes care of his players, how he trains, what intensity and passion he brings, the scheme and philosophy and how he runs a building. It’s designed for success.
“I want to bring a championship-level culture here. That was a goal of mine. I know that’s one of Coach Saleh’s goals – to win a championship. I know what he’s doing here. He’s working to get to that level to win a championship. We’re all trying to do that here. I wanted to come here for a place that I know is trying to reach that level. I know we can do this here. That is the goal.”
The 26-year-old said he has no qualms about playing his home games at MetLife Stadium on the field where he broke his ACL against the Jets in 2020. Thomas played with the Raiders against the Giants at the stadium last year. He said he and the lawn discussed things.
“I got out early, about three hours before game time,” Thomas said. “I sat on the grass and made amends. I spoke to it. I have forgiven it. I said, ‘Hey, if we move on, we’ll be buddies.’ I’m glad I did that because now I’m going to play eight, nine games a season here. It was also new territory. I know it broke up a bit and is tighter now. It’s a better lawn now. I am pleased to be here. Like I said, me and the turf get along well now. We can get started.”
Thomas, who is listed at 6-foot-3, 295 pounds, said he can play both inside and outside on Saleh’s defense and he feels the attacking style plays to his strengths.
“I’m an undersized inside player, but this is where I can thrive,” said Thomas. “I can use my athleticism. i can be fast I can be explosive. Those are my strengths. I also like the simplicity of it. You know your call and we can anticipate that, but our main calls are our main calls and we are playing to that.”