A. Thomas vs. L. Fletcher

[sportscurmudgeon]

Adelius Thomas is a better linebacker than London Fletcher. I don't think there would be a lot of debate on that point among personnel folks around the league.

But the fact that Thomas made it known that he would not sign with the Ravens if they put the franchise tag on him means he has to be looking for a huge score on the free agent market. Remember, the franchise tag is a guaranteed one-year deal equal to the average salary of the top three linebackers in the league. The minute he signs that deal, the money is guaranteed; even if they cut him, they pay him.

So, Thomas is going to cost a lot of money and that's why he probably should not be first on the Skins' list.

By the way, this business of "knowing the system" is really overrated. London Fletcher "knows the system" in Buffalo but they are not falling all over themselves to keep him. Guess that shows how critical "knowing the system" must be.

With regard to Rocky's lack of playing time last year. Either he's dumb as a box of hammers and could not figure out what he was supposed to do on the various calls or Gregg Williams kept him on the sidelines for some non-football reason. I don't know which was the case, but I do know this: Rocky will be entering the 2007 season as a rookie in terms of useful game experience.