Thomas

The New England Patriots offered Zach Thomas a contract yesterday on the same day the former Dolphins linebacker made Gillette Stadium his first stop in what promises to be a continuing free-agency tour.

“We had a great visit in New England,” agent Drew Rosenhaus wrote in a text message last night. “They offered him a contract and we will continue negotiations.”

It is unclear what type of deal the Patriots offered but obviously it was not one either Thomas or Rosenhaus were immediately eager to sign. It is possible the Patriots offered a deal that pays the veteran minimum of $830,000 for 2008 with bonuses tied to play-time and other incentive categories.

Although Thomas has made approximately $50 million through his 12-year career, he is nonetheless hoping to get a multiyear deal that includes guaranteed money.

Rosenhaus confirmed in his text message that Thomas will continue his impromptu free-agent tour today when he visits the New Orleans Saints. The agent also is scheduled to speak with the Dallas Cowboys tomorrow, and the Bills and Jets are also said to be interested in Thomas.

But Thomas is not likely to look toward Buffalo or New York as his first choices because he wants to play for a team that is likely to contend for a Super Bowl title in 2008. Neither the Jets nor Bills qualified for the playoffs last season.

Thomas, whose contract was terminated by the Dolphins last Thursday, has repeated he didn’t want to leave Miami. But once the team made the decision to cut him with one year remaining on his contract, he wants to make sure he has the best opportunity to win.

Despite obvious worries by the Dolphins about the concussion that prematurely ended Thomas’ season in 2007, the player and his agent have vehemently contended he is again healthy.

That was apparently confirmed yesterday when the Patriots offered Thomas a contract.

The Patriots are interested in Thomas because both of their inside linebackers — Junior Seau and Tedy Bruschi — are free agents. Seau is 39 years old while Bruschi, three months older than Thomas, will be 35 during the 2008 season.