The Cowboys got an early start on free agency during combine weekend, agreeing to a deal with veteran linebacker Zach Thomas.

The Dallas defense has an abundance of inside linebackers, but Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips is a big fan of Thomas and has said you never can have too many in his 3-4 scheme. How do you think Thomas fits in the defense? Do you expect him to start?

I do not think you bring in a guy like Zach Thomas to not start, so I think he will start. Though I'm still trying to figure otu why the brought him in. Though I guess if he can prove he is over the headaches, and can come in to contribute like he's done in the past.

His experience and knowledge alone makes our D better. He's also very fast sideline to sideline. He'd be great perfect in passing situations if he's not the starter.

Hoosier Daddy:

His experience and knowledge alone makes our D better. He's also very fast sideline to sideline. He'd be great perfect in passing situations if he's not the starter.

I think that is the main reason they brought him in, his experience and knowledge. The defense needs a leader out there and he could be that.

I actually think our middle needed a boost, maybe Thomas will spark a little flame in our defense. While I think his age might prevent him from being 100% in his prime, his experience and leadership skills will help this yound team even more. Maybe he's not a starter, but what's wrong with depth?

im not sure if he does. worst case scenario he provides leadership and depth to a linebacker core, best case is he contributes on the field. we already cant get all of our linebackers on the field as it is now, but whatever its another typical cowboy move.

I still do not like the move, but nothing can be done about it now. I only hope he can come in and use his experience and knowledge and be a leader for the defense since that is something they are seriously lacking.

G2:

I actually think our middle needed a boost, maybe Thomas will spark a little flame in our defense. While I think his age might prevent him from being 100% in his prime, his experience and leadership skills will help this yound team even more. Maybe he's not a starter, but what's wrong with depth?

you are correct sir, a boost indeed...Z.T had 160+strait games until the auto accident.168 tackles in 2006.i don't think our entire L.B core has this combined.he along with the physicians should know if he is ready.only time will be the judge of a great deal made or bust.

billbates:

G2:

I actually think our middle needed a boost, maybe Thomas will spark a little flame in our defense. While I think his age might prevent him from being 100% in his prime, his experience and leadership skills will help this yound team even more. Maybe he's not a starter, but what's wrong with depth?

you are correct sir, a boost indeed...Z.T had 160+strait games until the auto accident.168 tackles in 2006.i don't think our entire L.B core has this combined.he along with the physicians should know if he is ready.only time will be the judge of a great deal made or bust.

I had hoped they could provide the needed upgrade from within, ie Carpenter or Burnett, but apparently they (coaching staff/decisionmakers) did not. I have not been a big fan of Akin Ayodele's production... guess we all will see if this is a good move. Jimmy Johnson is a Zach Thomas fan, for what that is worth.

We needed more consistant play in the middle and the acquisition of Thomas should give us that needed boost we've been looking for.  It'll definitely help that he has more experience than Ayodele, Burnett and Carpenter and will bring much needed pressure up the middle.

We needed some competition in the middle.

The weakness of a base 3-4 defense is the middle section. We have speed on the outside, but we need special personel to be able to stop runs up the gut. With the speed at OLB, our talent at d-line, and Zach Thomas at MLB, I'd expect to see the other teams abandon the run quickly.

How is this additional log in the logjam resolved. Assuming that ZThomas becomes a starter, does someone get traded or do they cut someone or does natural attrition take place? Interesting situation that is created...and as has been said, competition is a good thing.

I will remember all of you who put ZThomas down, and then laugh in your face at the end of the season. 

I rather have Zach than that waste-of-space Carpenter.