Feb 16, 2008 - 2:58 PM
1 shoutMIAMI (Ticker) -- Released by the Miami Dolphins on Thursday, Pro Bowl linebacker Zach Thomas may not be on the open market long.
The Miami Herald reported Saturday that Thomas' agent - Drew Rosenhaus - already has fielded phone calls from several interested teams, including New England, Indianapolis, San Diego and Dallas.
The 34-year-old Thomas told the newspaper that he is compiling a list of teams he will consider joining.
"Ever since the last game of the season, you know me, I've been breaking down the defenses on a bunch of teams to see which one fits me," Thomas said. "I broke down nine teams, all 16 of their games.
"I've had a lot of time on my hands, I guess, so I've been looking at three or four games a day. I've been seeing which defenses have needs to fill, and I've got them all saved up on the computer."
Thomas added that he had been considering retirement since the end of the season, but - perhaps in light of recent events - that is no longer the case.
When it comes to his next team, the seven-time Pro Bowl selection seems to know exactly what he wants.
"It has to be a winning team first," he said. "I've got to fit the scheme. I'm looking at a team with a group of good guys. I'm looking at the place because I will be living there. And I'm looking to see what their quarterback situation is because you need a good quarterback and a good offense to win."
Last season with the 1-15 Dolphins was anything but Thomas' best campaign, as he was limited to just five games.
The 12-year veteran suffered a concussion in September and missed two games. After returning to play in the Dolphins' next three games, he was in an automobile accident which left him with recurring migraines.
As a result of the headaches, the team placed Thomas on injured reserve in early December.
For his career, Thomas has 982 total tackles - more than any linebacker in the Hall of Fame - and is one of three players to record 100 or more tackles in each of his first 10 seasons in the NFL.
