Jets add defensive tackle Solomon Thomas
Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals throws a pass in front of defensive end Solomon Thomas #92 of the Las Vegas Raiders on January 15, 2022. Credit: Getty Images/Andy Lyons
The Jets added depth to their defensive line, coming to terms with tackle Solomon Thomas on a one-year deal.
Thomas was the No. 3 pick in the 2017 draft for San Francisco. He spent four seasons playing in Robert Saleh’s defense with the 49ers. Thomas spent last year with the Raiders and recorded a career-high 3.5 sacks.
Overall, Thomas has 129 tackles, 19 for loss, and 9.5 sacks in five seasons. He only played in two games in 2020 because he tore his ACL against the Jets at MetLife Stadium.
The Jets needed depth up front, especially at defensive tackle after losing Foley Fatukasi to the Jaguars. Thomas has played defensive end, too, so he adds versatility to Saleh’s front four.
The Jets also are signing restricted free-agent kicker Eddy Pineiro to a one-year deal worth up to $2.75 million, according to his agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey. Pineiro is expected to compete in training camp for the Jets’ kicking job with Greg Zuerlein, who they signed on Saturday.
Initially, the Jets gave Pineiro a $2.4 million right-of-first-refusal tender, but that deal was reworked after the Zuerlein signing.
The Jets had kicking issues last season before signing Pineiro in December. He earned another shot to be the Jets’ kicker and made all eight of his field-goal attempts and was 9 of 10 on extra points in five games.
Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.
