Cedric

Thornton

Thornton suddenly announced his short-lived retirement back in August. He also spent time with the Eagles, Cowboys, and Bills prior to landing with the Niners last year. Previously categorized as a five-tech run stopper, it’s a true question mark whether Thornton can make an impact after sitting out for the entirety of the 2018 season.

An undrafted rookie from Southern Arkansas, Thornton was expected to be a middle-round pick but some medical concerns dropped him down draft boards. He should have the opportunity to play a few snaps during the last three games.

Thornton is entering his third season after being signed as an undrafted free agent out of Southern Arkansas. He appeared in all 16 games in 2012, recording 27 tackles and a sack. Thornton will be competing for the five-technique spot with Vinny Curry and Bennie Logan. Fletcher Cox has the other defensive end position locked up, while Isaac Sopoaga will occupy nose tackle.

It’s just a formality. Thornton, a second-year undrafted free agent, broke out for 60 tackles, seven for a loss and two batted passes last season while playing the majority of snaps at left end. He’s a cheap, quality, run-stuffing starter for an Eagles defense that started slow but came on strong late last season. Thornton will now be a restricted free agent in 2015.

Thornton missed the final three games of the regular season, but returned for the playoffs. He should be fine for the start of OTAs. A disappointment after signing a four-year, $18 million deal in free agency, Thornton only earned a rotational run-stuffer role his first year in Dallas, mainly coming off the bench.

Thornton tanked as a Cowboy last year, and was let go at final cuts last weekend. Headed into his age-29 season, Thornton had been an asset against the run before last season. He could stick on the 53-man roster.

Signed to a four-year deal last offseason, Thornton received $9 million for his one season in Dallas. He wasn’t able to channel his success from Philly.

Thornton started all 16 games last season and graded out as a top-nine 3-4 end at Pro Football Focus. He was top-three as a run stopper but dead last (45th) as a pass rusher. Thornton had just one sack and 17 hurries. He even started taking himself out of the game on third downs because his pass-rushing technique was so poor. Boxing will help Thornton’s hands and feet get quicker.

Thornton is an important run stuffer on the Eagles’ line. Vinny Curry should see an expanded role while Thornton is sidelined.

It’s Thornton’s restricted free agent tender. There had been chatter that Thornton would be signed to a long-term deal, but that could be off the table for now. A two-down thumper, Thornton turns 27 in June.