The 49ers won’t pick up the fifth-year option on defensive lineman Solomon Thomas’ rookie deal according to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero.
Thomas, the No. 3 overall pick in 2017, has had a disappointing start to his career with 6.0 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 46 games. His best season was his rookie year when he posted 3.0 sacks, 10 tackles for loss and 11 quarterback hits. He’s been unable to build on that rookie campaign.
San Francisco has been pretty patient with rookies and their fifth-year options. Jimmie Ward and Arik Armstead both got theirs after up-and-down starts to their careers, but Thomas hasn’t shown enough to warrant the price tag that comes with exercising the fifth-year club option that comes on the back end of every first-round pick’s contract.
This doesn’t rule out Thomas’ return to the club next season. He’d just be signed to a new, cheaper deal.
2020 is a big season for Thomas. He’ll likely be tasked with playing more snaps at his natural defensive tackle spot. If he can produce in Year 4, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the 49ers re-sign him this offseason.
