A day after losing linebacker Angelo Crowell to free agency, Buffalo signed one of their own as they agreed to terms with Pat Thomas. Thomas, who played middle linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs last season, could serve as a backup to Paul Posluszny or compete for a starting role at the vacant strong side linebacker spot.
Last season Thomas (6'1" 237) earned the starting middle linebacker role for the Chiefs and ran the Kansas City defense for the first nine games of the season. But a hamstring injury kept him out of the next four games including the Nov. 23 game against Buffalo last year.
He finished the season with 54 tackles, a half sack and two pass breakups. Prior to 2008 the former sixth-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars (2005) played mostly on special teams.
Strong side linebacker is a position of uncertainty defensively for the Bills, and Thomas figures to be a part of that competition in training camp. But he does offer some versatility with middle linebacker experience.
Whether Buffalo is done addressing the linebacker position with respect to free agency remains to be seen. Free agents Cato June, Freddie Keiaho and Jamie Winborn have all visited One Bills Drive this spring.
