Lange is editor-in-chief of newyorkjets.com. He covered the Jets for 13 years for The Record of Hackensack, N.J.
File Under: Zach Thomas, Drew Rosenhaus, Cowboys Jets Patriots Saints
02/23 — Drew Rosenhaus, agent for what seems to be half of the NFL's players, held an impromptu news conference in the hallway outside the media workroom, and the main topic was about one of his high-profile clients, MLB Zach Thomas, who was released by the Dolphins last week and signed with the Cowboys last night.
In discussing the signing, Rosenhaus corrected some sources that recently stated the Jets had not inquired about Thomas.
"The Jets called several times," he said. "In fact, it aggravated me reading the papers in New York when all the reports said the Jets weren't interested. I got calls from a number of people in the Jets organization. They wanted Zach. So all the sources in New York were way off base."
Needless to say, the Green & White did wind up with Thomas, Neither did the Patriots and Saints, whom Rosenhaus said made the strongest pitches besides Dallas. The Cowboys won out because they play a 4-3 scheme similar to the one Thomas thrived in for many years in Miami and because Texas is the home state for Zach and much of his family.
Not to limit Thomas' longevity with the 'Pokes, but the Green & White likely have run into No. 54 for the last time. The next regular-season meeting between the Jets and Cowboys, who played last Thanksgiving in Big D, is expected to be 2011, when Thomas could be retired.
Fans Respond
Here's your chance to tell Randy what you think! Add a Comment | Hide All Show All (12)Hogan Said:
Sat, February 23, 2008 - 1:31pm EDT"Good. If we are getting rid of vilma the last thing w need is another starting MLB."
Drew Said:
Sat, February 23, 2008 - 1:33pm EDT"Glad Zach went to Dallas and not NE. Sick of seeing this guy make plays in our division.......Funny how Rosenhaus felt he had to explain the Jets called several times. His client signed with a team already, why bring that up?? Hey Randy any buzz in Indy about NFL trades or FA's?? I know there must be a ton of chatter with free agency coming up. "
Jetfan71 Said:
Sat, February 23, 2008 - 2:01pm EDT"There are three things the Jets need....Height, Strength, and Speed! 2 areas that they desperately need them in (Receiver & Defensive Backfield)! If our first pick aint Sweed from Texas or Kelly from OU....we're on Crack! Next, a couple of 6'1 corners and 6'3 safeties would do nicely! After that, I don't care what they do!!"
Drew Said:
Sat, February 23, 2008 - 7:44pm EDT"Hey jetfan71....How about someone to block for our QB and maybe someone on the other side to sack one?? Then we can worry about a WR. Plus have you checked Kerry Rhodes's height recently?"
DChris25 Said:
Sun, February 24, 2008 - 12:30pm EDT"how about we make QB a priority? we need to go out and get a veteran free agent qb with an arm to compete for the starting spot. if we dont im not even watching a game next year"
Jetsfandan Said:
Mon, February 25, 2008 - 11:03am EDT"Randy, don't the Cowboys run a 3-4 defense, or is it a hybrid-type defense? I thought the reasons why Thomas ended up going to Dallas is because they are a playoff team and that is his homestate. Plus, he gives that young team some leadership. "
Randy Lange Said:
"Jetsfandan, the Cowboys are a hybrid in the sense that they line up in a 3-4, but they have only only one "MILB," either Bradie James or Bobby Carpenter. The other inside 'backer, either Akin Ayodele or Kevin Burnett, was listed as an MOLB. Agent Drew Rosenhaus said at the combine Saturday that Zach Thomas signed with Dallas because of the Cowboys' scheme and their location deep in the heart of Texas."
JoeyJets1988 Said:
Mon, February 25, 2008 - 4:13pm EDT"wouldnt it be 2011 the next time the jets face the cowboys? we faced them in 2003 and 2007. "
Randy Lange Said:
"You are correct, JoeyJets. That is of course what I meant to say, and through the miracle of the Internet, that is now what my Saturday Radar entry on Zach Thomas going to the Cowboys does say."
Jetsfandan Said:
Mon, February 25, 2008 - 5:55pm EDT"Gotcha Randy, thanks for clearing that up. I figured if they didn't run a pure 3-4 they ran some type of hybrid, much like the Ravens do. "
Row Said:
Tue, February 26, 2008 - 10:42pm EDT"Things happen for a reason. I am more then glad we did not pick up Zach Thomas. End of story."
seon Said:
Fri, February 29, 2008 - 1:44pm EDT"the jets need to get asanti samuels to the corner bacc position "
Q_C Said:
Fri, February 29, 2008 - 2:56pm EDT"Ditto, Rowe. Zach is good, but we need younger talent. Proven or not, unless they're undeniable top-notch at a position we absolutely need, I don't think it's wise to spend much on an older player. The linebackers weren't too bad last year given the DT situation, which appears may have been ammended given Jenkins' arrival, and Vilma didn't play for the most part. Spent money = need."
Randy's RSS
The fastest way to get Randy's articles. Subscribe now.
Randy's Posts


Ira Said:
Sat, February 23, 2008 - 1:25pm EDT"Randy, Glad to see that Thomas is out of the AFC. "
Offensive Comment?