| ProFootballWeekly.com asks
contributing editor Joel Buchsbaum for his thoughts on the hottest topics in the NFL. 
Cowboys re-sign Robert Thomas
The Dallas Cowboys agreed to a three-year, $3 million contract with FB Robert Thomas on
Wednesday. Thomas started 16 games for Dallas last year, and reportedly was courted by the
Bears over the last few days. He began his career as a linebacker, but ran 15 times for 51
yards and caught 23 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns last year.
PFW: What are your thoughts on this signing?
Buchsbaum: He’s an underrated fullback. He’s a good blocker, he’s tough
and he’s got some decent running skills. He can catch the ball. He had that one
costly fumble against the Eagles last year, but I think he’s a pretty good fullback.
Broncos re-sign Matt Lepsis
Offensive right tackle Matt Lepsis has re-signed for a reported six years and $28
million. The Broncos say that terms of the deal haven’t been completed yet. Lepsis
moved into Denver’s starting lineup in 1999.
PFW: What are your thoughts on this move?
Buchsbaum: He’s a very promising young tackle who has gotten better and better. He
was a tight end most of his college career. He really benefitted from Alex Gibbs, and they
may end up shifting him to left tackle, because he’s got such good feet.
PFW: Is he like many of the Broncos’ linemen in that he’s much better
there than he’d be if he were elsewhere?
Buchsbaum: Yes, he’s not a power guy.
Jets agree to terms with Eagles LB Darling
Eagles free-agent LB James Darling agreed to terms with the New York Jets on Wednesday,
pending his passing a physical. He’s expected to sign the incentive-laden deal today.
Darling spent the last four years in Philadelphia and started 24 games. The Jets are
looking to replace several linebackers they released (Bryan Cox, Roman Phifer and Dwayne
Gordon). Darling joins Mo Lewis, Marvin Jones and James Farrior in the corps.
PFW: What are your thoughts on this signing?
Buchsbaum: He gives them a fourth linebacker who, if Marvin Jones gets hurt, can start
in the middle. Or else he can battle James Farrior on the outside, he’ll also give
them a fourth linebacker and a good special-teams player. |
