Thomas Signs New Contract
March 26, 1997
Derrick Thomas, an eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker for the Kansas City Chiefs, signed a seven-year contract with the club Wednesday that makes him the NFL's highest paid defensive player.
Terms of the deal with Thomas were not disclosed.
But Thomas' agent, Leigh Steinberg, said the contract tops the six-year, $24 million deal signed by Chad Brown with Seattle in February.
"It's a complex contract that does make (Thomas) the highest paid defensive player in football, which is where he should be," said Steinberg, who attended Wednesday's news conference with Thomas and Chiefs president Carl Peterson.
Thomas' status as the NFL's best-paid defensive player may not last long. Steinberg also represents Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith.
The deal should keep Thomas in Kansas City the rest of his career -- something Thomas said was important as he faced free agency.
"Back in 1993 when free agency first came about and I had the opportunity to visit other teams, I thought about the old cliche, the grass is not greener on the other side," Thomas said. "I don't think the grass is any greener anywhere else than it is here."
Thomas has been outspoken about the Chiefs' decision not to sign free-agent quarterback Jeff George and to let defensive teammate Neil Smith test free agency.
The contract, signed today, reportedly had been agreed to weeks ago, but Thomas was said to be waiting to see what sorts of moves the Chiefs would make to improve the team, which last season missed the playoffs for the first time this decade.
The Chiefs have signed San Francisco backup Elvis Grbac as their quarterback for next season, replacing the ineffective Steve Bono.
Peterson said the contract with Thomas, the Chief's all-time sack leader, means he will most likely finish his career with Kansas City.
"It is our opinion that Derrick Thomas has earned the opportunity for this new contract and this long-term commitment from the Kansas City Chiefs. He has become a leader both on this team and in Kansas City," Peterson said.
Thomas was the fourth overall pick in the 1989 draft and was the consensus choice as NFL defensive rookie in his first season after making 75 tackles and 10 sacks.
Since 1993, Thomas' responsibilities have shifted from being a pass rusher to stopping the run to falling back into zone pass coverage. But he said that his primary role next season will be to rush the passer.
Last month the Chiefs had to choose between Thomas and Smith, another defensive mainstay, because of the salary cap -- and Smith was allowed to become a free agent.
Thomas was critical of Chiefs' dealings after George, who had interviewed with the Chiefs and signed with the Oakland Raiders, and Smith became a free agent. But Steinberg said Thomas told him to negotiate only with Kansas City.
"Every family has a little bit of disputes to it," Steinberg said. "Every family, especially people who are high achievers who want to win the Super Bowl, have internal squabbles. But Derrick is clear this is the team he wants be with."
