Pat

Thomas

It looks like he is now the favorite to start over free agent acquisition Nick Greisen. Akin Ayodele put up big numbers in the spot over the last few years in Jacksonville.

The sixth-round draft pick is the second Jacksonville draftee to sign with the team.

Thomas was once viewed by the Jaguars as a potential starter, but had too many injury problems. He’s likely to get another chance elsewhere.

Thomas, who was released last week, will likely be a special teams contributor for the Chiefs. He played in four games for the Jaguars this season after spending most of the 2006 campaign on IR with a hamstring injury. The Chiefs also signed G Rob Smith to the practice squad.

Thomas’ injury was never disclosed. The former Jaguar’s last two seasons have ended on injured reserve. He is under contract with K.C. through 2008.

The Bills tried and failed to land Piso Tinoisamoa and will keep their eyes peeled for other options. Rookie Nic Harris, last year’s fifth-rounder Alvin Bowen and free agent signee Pat Thomas are the unexciting in-house options to replace Ellison.

Battling injuries throughout camp, Thomas fell behind Marcus Buggs in the battle to backup starter Paul Posluszny. His release says a lot about the sad state of the 2008 Chiefs defense, where Thomas started at middle linebacker.

It seems Demorrio Williams has been slow to learn the scheme, as he’s seen no time with the ones. Napoleon Harris is behind Thomas in the middle. Donnie Edwards is currently at WLB, while Derrick Johnson is on the strong side. We doubt Thomas keeps the job, but deep dynasty leaguers could pick him up in the meantime to make sure.