Thomas inks one-year deal with Dallas (1 Viewer)

[Dan in Lafayette]

Saints say they will search other options

MikeTriplett / New Orleans Times-Picayune

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Saints lost out on free-agent linebacker Zach Thomas on Saturday when he decided to sign with his home-state team, the Dallas Cowboys.

Thomas turned down contract offers from both the Saints and the New England Patriots to sign a one-year, $3 million deal including incentives.

"The runners-up were great picks, too. He couldn't have gone wrong," said Drew Rosenhaus, Thomas' agent. "But Zach is a hometown guy (from Pampa, Texas). . . . I said, 'Zach, what team do you want to play for No. 1?' and he said, 'The Dallas Cowboys.' His family is ecstatic. His whole family is from Texas. He told me his sister screamed for joy.

"It's a hometown team, a winning team, high profile, good economics. And he's a key element to getting over the hump. So that's why he picked it." Full Story – Picayunehttp://www.nola.com/saints/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-4/120383460859360.xml&coll=1