Solomon Thomas is back in the Dallas-Forth Worth area for the first time in over a decade.

The newest Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle was a phenom at Coppell High School from 2010-2014 before playing college football at Stanford.

Drafted No. 3 overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, Thomas spent time with the San Francisco 49ers, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Jets before becoming a free agent this offseason.NFL merchandise

The Cowboys signed Thomas to a two-year, $8 million contract this week. He spoke about the opportunity:

“It’s amazing, it’s truly a dream come true,” Thomas said.

“Playing in Coppell, being raised in the Dallas area and now getting to play in my hometown in front of my people I love, my family, friends and close ones, I feel at home…

Thomas’ excitement goes beyond just his homecoming.

“I can’t wait to put on that star and win games here, and win a championship here.”

Besides returning to the city that raised him, Thomas also has familiarity with the Dallas coaching staff that fuel these championship aspirations.

Thomas rejoins his defensive-line coach from New York in Aaron Whitecotton, who was hired onto the Brian Schottenheimer staff this offseason.

“I’ve been very blessed to work with coach Whitecotton,” Thomas said. “I got there his second year as the defensive line coach of the Jets and to see his growth the last three years has been insane.Family-friendly travel guides

“He’s become one of the best defensive line coaches in the league.”

As he works with Whitecotton and new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, Thomas has already gotten comfortable with the defensive scheme.

“It’s an attack front, so you go attack every play, it’s violent, effort, it’s passion, that’s what this front is about,” Thomas said.

“I just love the scheme, the scheme turns off the brain and you just let the body play.”

While the defensive line struggled last season, especially stopping the run, Thomas’ acquisition provides another sturdy body to cycle in.

Thomas has missed just one game over the last four seasons. In 2024, he made 26 tackles and got to the quarterback for a career-high 3.5 sacks.

The Cowboys’ D-line has been addressed throughout this offseason. First by re-signing Osa Odighizuwa, then by acquiring edge rusher Payton Turner in free agency.