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. Over the course of his career, he has also played for the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys.
Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 285 pounds, Thomas has built a reputation as a hard-working interior lineman known for his quickness off the snap. He earned a string of postseason honors during his junior season at Stanford, including the 2016 Morris Trophy and First-team All-Pac-12 recognition. His combination of size, athleticism, and discipline has helped him remain active in the league for nearly a decade.
Early Life and Background
Solomon Christopher Thomas was born on August 26, 1995, in Chicago, Illinois. When he was two years old, his family relocated to Sydney, Australia, where he lived for five years before returning to the United States. The early years spent moving between countries helped shape his adaptable personality and competitive drive.
Thomas attended Coppell High School in Coppell, Texas, where he quickly emerged as one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the state. As a senior, he recorded 78 tackles and 12.5 sacks, and as a junior, he posted 89 tackles with 8.5 sacks. His performance earned him a four-star recruit rating and a place among the top players in his recruiting class. He ultimately committed to Stanford University to continue his football career at the highest collegiate level.
Path to the NFL
Thomas arrived at Stanford in 2014 and redshirted his first season to develop his body and technique. In 2015, he played in all 14 games with six starts, finishing the year with 39 total tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss, and 3.5 sacks. His promising debut earned him an honorable mention All-Pac-12 Conference selection.
During the 2016 season, Thomas elevated his game to an elite level. He started all 13 games and produced 62 total tackles, 15.0 tackles-for-loss, and 8.0 sacks. His dominant junior campaign led to First-team All-Pac-12 honors, the Morris Trophy, and Third-team All-American recognition. He capped his season by earning MVP honors in the 2016 Sun Bowl before declaring for the 2017 NFL Draft. Coming out of Stanford, analysts ranked him as the second-best defensive end in the class behind Myles Garrett.
Solomon Thomas Career
San Francisco 49ers (2017–2020)
Thomas was selected third overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017 NFL Draft, joining Arik Armstead and DeForest Buckner as part of a defensive line rebuilding effort. On July 28, 2017, the 49ers signed him to 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, registering 41 tackles and three sacks.
His time in San Francisco was disrupted by injuries. On May 1, 2020, the 49ers declined Thomas’s fifth-year option, allowing him to enter free agency in 2021. During a Week 2 matchup against the New York Jets that year, he suffered a torn ACL that ended his season prematurely.
Las Vegas Raiders (2021)
Thomas signed a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders on March 19, 2021. He appeared in all 17 games and delivered one of his most productive seasons to date, recording 34 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. His reliable play helped stabilize the Raiders’ defensive front.
New York Jets (2022–2024)
On March 30, 2022, Thomas signed with the New York Jets as a backup defensive tackle behind Quinnen Williams, Sheldon Rankins, and Nathan Shepherd. He played in all 17 games and posted 26 tackles while rotating in for about a third of the defensive snaps.
Thomas re-signed with the Jets on March 18, 2023, and responded with a career-high five sacks across 17 games, including three starts. He re-signed again on March 21, 2024, and finished that season with 3.5 sacks, 26 tackles, two passes defended, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. His steady production made him a trusted rotational piece in the Jets’ defensive scheme.
Dallas Cowboys (2025)
On March 12, 2025, Thomas signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys. He joined a Cowboys defensive line looking to add veteran depth and experience. During his single season in Dallas, he continued to contribute as a rotational defensive tackle before the team moved on from his services.
Tennessee Titans (2026–Present)
On March 11, 2026, Thomas was traded to the Tennessee Titans in exchange for a 2026 seventh-round draft pick. The move gave him a fresh opportunity to compete for a starting role on an emerging defensive front. He now wears jersey number 90 for Tennessee and is expected to add both veteran leadership and pass-rush support.
Driving Style and Strengths
Thomas is known for his quick first step, active hands, and ability to disrupt plays in the backfield. His combination of leverage, motor, and technique allows him to hold up against the run while still generating pressure on the passer. He is widely respected for his football intelligence and his willingness to play disciplined, assignment-sound football.
Notable Events and Milestones
Thomas’s top milestones include being drafted third overall in 2017, earning the 2016 Morris Trophy as the Pac-12’s best defensive lineman, and winning MVP honors in the 2016 Sun Bowl. He has also recorded 18.5 career sacks and 239 total tackles through the 2025 season, reflecting his durability and consistency across multiple teams.
Solomon Thomas Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Thomas experienced a profound personal loss in 2018 when his older sister died by suicide at the age of 24. In response, he founded The Defensive Line, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing youth suicide and supporting mental health awareness. His advocacy work has been an important part of his life off the field and has helped him connect with fans and communities around the country.
2025 Season Performance
Thomas entered the 2025 season as a member of the Dallas Cowboys following his two-year contract signed in March 2025. He contributed as a rotational defensive tackle, providing veteran presence on a Cowboys defense that continued to feature younger playmakers. While specific game-by-game statistics for the season are not fully detailed, Thomas remained healthy and productive throughout the year.
His most notable developments came off the field, as the Cowboys explored long-term plans for their defensive line heading into 2026. Thomas’s contract and consistent production made him a valuable trade asset, and his experience benefited younger linemen on the roster. The Cowboys’ decision to move on from his services set the stage for his trade to Tennessee in March 2026.
Looking ahead, Thomas is positioned to take on a larger role with the Tennessee Titans in 2026. The Titans have been rebuilding their defense, and his veteran leadership is expected to play a key role in mentoring younger players. If he stays healthy and maintains his productivity, Thomas could be on track for one of his strongest statistical seasons in years while continuing to make a meaningful impact in the locker room and community.
