Dolphins GM Jeff Ireland Mum on Zach Thomas’ Future in Miami

Filed under: Dolphins, AFC East, NFL Fans, NFL Rumors, NFL Free Agency

The Dolphins front office has plenty to keep themselves busy this off-season, starting with figuring out what to do with the first-overall pick in the April draft. But there’s also the issue of addressing the other gaping holes in the roster, deciding if the team will run the 4-3 or 3-4 defense, and, perhaps most importantly, if linebacker Zach Thomas is in Miami’s immediate plans.

A few weeks ago, I wondered if the Dolphins should trade Thomas and Jason Taylor, of for no other reason than both are on the downsides of great careers, and they’re still valuable enough to merit a few draft picks as compensation.

Anyway, here’s what new general manager Jeff Ireland had to say on the subject:

‘If I had the opportunity to talk to every player individually, I would certainly try to do that,” Ireland said. “I happened to call Jason [Taylor], I just wanted to reach out to him and say hello. I’ve talked to John. I haven’t reached out to Zach. …

Asked whether Thomas was in the Dolphins’ plans for 2008, Ireland said, “Right now, he’s on our roster, so we certainly have plans for him. In terms of tomorrow, the next day or six months down the line, we’re still in the process of analyzing who’s going to be a part of the future.”

Not exactly a resounding vote of confidence. Of course, general managers, particularly this time of years, are notorious for saying plenty but not really revealing much.

Even if Thomas has played his last game in Miami, I still think he’s got a few good years left. And knowing that sneaky bastard Bill Belichick, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Thomas end up with the Patriots. And do well.

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