Solomon Thomas Bio
Solomon Christopher Thomas is an American professional football defensive tackle for the Tennessee Titans of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Stanford Cardinal and was selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017 NFL Draft. Thomas has also played in the NFL for the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys. Throughout his career, he has established himself as a versatile defensive tackle known for his pass-rushing ability and run-stopping skills.
Early Life and Background
Thomas was born in Chicago, Illinois, on August 26, 1995. When he was two years old, Thomas and his family relocated to Sydney, Australia, where he lived for five years before returning to the United States. This early international experience gave him a unique childhood perspective that would later shape his outlook on life and athletics.
Thomas attended Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas. During his senior season, he recorded 78 tackles and 12.5 sacks. As a junior, he posted 89 tackles with 8.5 sacks. He earned a four-star recruiting rating and was ranked among the top players in his class. Thomas committed to play college football at Stanford University, choosing the Cardinal over other major programs.
Path to Professional Football
After redshirting his first year at Stanford in 2014, Thomas became a significant contributor in 2015. He played in all 14 games, starting six, and recorded 39 total tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss, and 3.5 sacks. His performance earned him honorable mention All-Pac-12 Conference recognition. The following year, Thomas elevated his game further, starting all 13 games and compiling 62 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, and 8.0 sacks.
His dominant 2016 season culminated in being named First-team All-Pac-12 and winning the prestigious Morris Trophy, awarded to the best defensive player in the conference. Thomas also earned Third-team All-American honors and was named the 2016 Sun Bowl MVP. Following the season, he declared for the 2017 NFL Draft, projected as a first-round pick by most analysts and scouts.
Solomon Thomas Career
San Francisco 49ers (2017–2020)
Thomas was drafted third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017 NFL Draft. He became the third consecutive defensive end drafted in the first round by the 49ers, joining Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner. Notably, 49ers general manager John Lynch had studied alongside Thomas at Stanford as a mature student while working as a broadcaster and had counseled Thomas to leave school without knowing he would later be in a position to draft him.
On July 28, 2017, Thomas signed a fully guaranteed four-year, $28.14 million contract that included an $18.61 million signing bonus. As a rookie, he played in 14 games with 12 starts, recording 41 tackles and three sacks. His NFL debut showed promise as he adjusted to the professional level.
Las Vegas Raiders (2021)
After the 49ers declined the fifth-year option on his contract in May 2020, Thomas became a free agent. During the 2020 season, he suffered a torn ACL in Week 2 against the New York Jets and was ruled out for the remainder of the year. Despite this injury setback, he signed a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 19, 2021. He responded with a solid season, playing in all 17 games and recording 34 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles.
New York Jets (2022–2024)
On March 30, 2022, Thomas signed with the New York Jets. He served as a backup defensive tackle behind Quinnen Williams, Sheldon Rankins, and Nathan Shepherd. He appeared in all 17 games that season, recording 26 tackles while playing 33 percent of the defensive snaps.
Thomas re-signed with the Jets on March 18, 2023, and experienced a breakout season. He played in 17 games with three starts and recorded a career-high five sacks. He signed with the Jets again on March 21, 2024, and finished that season with 3.5 sacks, 26 tackles, two passes defensed, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
Dallas Cowboys (2025–Present)
On March 12, 2025, Thomas signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. The move brought him to a storied franchise with a strong defensive tradition. He joined a defensive line rotation looking to contribute both as an interior pass rusher and run defender. His experience across multiple systems made him a valuable addition to the Cowboys defensive front.
On March 11, 2026, Thomas was traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. This trade marked the sixth team in his professional career and presented a new opportunity with a developing Titans squad.
Driving Style and Strengths
Thomas plays the defensive tackle position with a combination of power and quickness. His strengths include his ability to collapse the pocket from the interior, his gap-shooting ability against the run, and his persistence in pursuing quarterbacks. His college success at Stanford translated well to the professional level, where he has shown the versatility to play multiple techniques along the defensive line.
Notable Events and Milestones
Thomas achieved the Morris Trophy in 2016, recognizing him as the best defensive player in the Pac-12 Conference. His 2023 season with the Jets produced a career-high five sacks. His journey through multiple organizations has showcased his durability and ability to contribute in various defensive schemes. His resilience returning from a torn ACL in 2020 demonstrated his dedication to the sport.
Solomon Thomas Career Statistics
Thomas has accumulated consistent statistics throughout his NFL career, appearing in over 90 games across eight seasons. His career totals reflect a reliable interior defender with consistent pass-rushing production.
NFL Career Highlights
Through the 2025 season, Thomas has recorded 239 total tackles, 18.5 sacks, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and six pass deflections. His rookie contract with the 49ers was among the largest for a third overall pick at the time. His career-high five sacks came during the 2023 season with the Jets.
College Career Statistics
At Stanford, Thomas was a two-year starter who improved significantly from his freshman to sophomore seasons. In 2015, he had 39 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss, and 3.5 sacks. His 2016 campaign saw him post 62 tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, and 8.0 sacks, which led to his All-American recognition and Morris Trophy win.
| Competition Level | Games | Tackles | Sacks |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL (Career through 2025) | 90+ | 239 | 18.5 |
| College (2015–2016) | 27 | 101 | 11.5 |
Solomon Thomas Family
Personal Life
Thomas’s older sister tragically died by suicide in 2018 at the age of 24. This devastating loss profoundly impacted Thomas and motivated him to take action. He founded “The Defensive Line,” a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing youth suicide. The organization works to raise awareness about mental health and provide resources for young people facing similar challenges. Thomas has become an advocate for mental health awareness, using his platform as a professional athlete to promote open conversations about mental health struggles.
Education
Thomas completed his collegiate career at Stanford University, where he graduated with a degree in psychology. His time at Stanford, one of the nation’s most prestigious universities, prepared him both academically and athletically for the challenges of professional football. His background in psychology has informed his advocacy work and his understanding of the mental health challenges faced by young athletes.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marked Thomas’s debut with the Dallas Cowboys following his March signing. Joining a franchise known for its aggressive defensive line play, Thomas brought his experience from four previous NFL teams. His familiarity with various defensive schemes allowed him to contribute immediately in the Cowboys rotation. The coaching staff valued his versatility and leadership qualities developed over eight NFL seasons.
Thomas’s role with the Cowboys involved providing interior push on passing downs while also anchoring against the run. His relationship with the defensive line coaches allowed him to refine his technique and maximize his physical tools. The team’s defensive system featured multiple looks that suited Thomas’s skill set as both a run defender and pass rusher.
The season represented an opportunity for Thomas to showcase his consistency on a prominent stage with the Cowboys. His career trajectory showed the ability to adapt and produce regardless of team or defensive scheme. The 2025 campaign aimed to build on his career-best five-sack season while contributing to a Cowboys defense seeking to compete for a championship.