I know that I've said this many times before, but I'll say it again—Randy Thomas is one of my favorite Washington Redskins of this era. He played hard, he probably could have made a few Pro Bowls had the team enjoyed some more success, and he always was interesting to talk to.
Thomas was back at Redskins Park today after undergoing surgery to repair a torn triceps. He was asked if he thinks he has played his last NFL game.
"I've never had that thought in my mind," he replied. "I don't get into whatever happens. That's life. Mentally, in my mind, I'm never giving up until I say enough is enough."
Thomas may not have the thought in his mind but many others have it in their minds. In January he will turn 34. His placement on injured reserve means that this will be the second season in the past three that will be a washout. After last year, a "healthy" season, he had surgery on his knee and his neck. He played with the neck injury even though doctors told him that it not only was career threatening but that could have left him with some paralysis.
The age is not the only relevant number. His contract runs through 2013 and it is worth about $25 million. It would be foolish to pay that kind of money to someone in Thomas' situation.
It looks now as though there will be no salary cap in 2010. That means that there won't be a cap penalty for releasing Thomas. The pro-rated bonus money won't mean anything except another debit in Dan Snyder's checkbook. It would be difficult to see how the Redskins would keep him.
Even if a labor agreement is reached and a cap is in place it seems likely that the Redskins will waive Thomas and swallow the cap hit.
The bottom line is that while Thomas hasn't yet said that "enough is enough" someone may say it for him.
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