In a bit of a surprising move, the Jets released veteran linebacker Bryan Thomas on Saturday.
Thomas, the team’s first-round draft pick in 2002, was the longest-tenured player on the team. The team re-signed him in the offseason to a one-year, $990,000 contract.
Thomas suffered a hamstring injury in the season-opening game with the Bills and missed last week’s game in Pittsburgh. The hamstring also kept him out of practice this week.
The Jets used the empty roster spot to sign cornerback Donnie Fletcher off the practice squad. This likely means cornerback Ellis Lankster’s back injury is more serious than originally thought and they needed depth at the position.
Since Thomas is a vested veteran, he does not have to clear waivers, meaning he is now a free agent any team can sign. It is possible the Jets will bring him back. The unproven Garrett McIntyre is starting in Thomas’ place at the moment. While McIntyre is a solid pass rusher, he is not the run defender Thomas is.