Linebacker Adalius Thomas' three-year tenure with the Patriots has come to an end, according to NESN insider Mike Reiss of ESPN.com.
According to an NFL source, Thomas was notified by the Patriots that he has been released, just days after the team drafted a pair of Florida linebackers Jermaine Cunningham — a defensive lineman who can also play OLB — and Brandon Spikes in the second round of the NFL draft.
The 11-year NFL veteran had 34 total tackles for the Pats in 14 games in 2009 and played in just nine games in 2008, when he notched 34 tackles and five sacks. His first year in New England (2007) was by far his most productive campaign as he tallied 78 total tackles and 6 1/2 sacks.
Thomas would have earned $4.9 million in 2010, and is now free to sign with another team. All offseason, the Jets were rumored to be proper suitors for the 32 year old.
