![](https://jetswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/66/2023/12/USATSI_21982568.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1)
The Jets are bringing back defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes.
Thomas has been a nice rotational defensive lineman for the Jets over the last two seasons. He has totaled 57 tackles over two seasons with the Jets while appearing in all 34 games and is coming off a season in which he posted a career-high five sacks. His previous was 3.5 in 2021 with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Jets have added three defensive linemen this free agency period, brining in Javon Kinlaw and Leki Fotu and have now brought back Thomas, who can play both inside and outside. The Jets also have Tanzel Smart, Bruce Hector, Marquiss Spencer and Manny Jones inside.
2025 will be his third season with the Jets and 8th in the NFL. He was the 3rd overall pick in the 2017 draft after the San Francisco 49ers traded down from No. 3 to No. 2 (Bears moving up for Mitch Trubisky). He played four seasons in San Francisco before joining the Raiders in 2021 and then the Jets in 2022.
Not only is Thomas a presence on the field, he is a presence off the field as well. Thomas has been the Jets’ nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in both of his two seasons with the team for his work in his foundation, The Defensive Line. A leader in the locker room, Thomas is quietly a key re-signing for the Jets.