The Tennessee Titans let new head coach Robert Saleh rebuild the defensive line in his vision this offseason. He quickly nudged general manager Mike Borgonzi to trade for veteran defensive tackle Solomon Thomas. Thomas, a former third overall pick, is now entering his eighth season alongside Saleh across three different stops.
Thomas understands Saleh's defense better than anyone. He's already been a major asset while reuniting with defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton. Thomas understands his importance to this Titans defense after overcoming confidence issues earlier in his career.
After a handful of Titans training camp practices, Thomas spoke exclusively with Titan Sized. Thomas discussed reuniting with Saleh and Whitecotton, overcoming adversity as a No. 3 overall draft pick, first impressions of quarterback Cam Ward, and more.
Solomon Thomas interview: Tennessee Titans DT is exactly what Robert Saleh needed
JM: What was your initial reaction when you found out you were being traded to the Titans and reuniting with Robert Saleh?
Solomon Thomas: The initial reaction to being traded is always shock first and foremost. I was on an airplane when I got traded. I couldn't get any calls. My agent texted me that I had been traded to the Titans.
An hour later, the shock started wearing off. I started thinking, okay, I'm back with Coach Saleh and Aaron Whitecotton. I'm back with Tanzel Smart, an assistant coach in Tennessee who was one of my best friends during our playing days. I'm back with John Franklin-Myers, Jermaine Johnson II, and Jacob Martin.
I started to feel like wow, this could be a really good situation for me. I've heard amazing things about Nashville. It's an amazing city with amazing people and excellent food. It's a very green town. There's a lot of farms. I started thinking, I could be eating clean, from farm to table. This is a really good situation.
Once the initial shock wore off, I started to realize how fortunate I was to be heading to the Titans. I was engaged, so it felt like a good time to settle down together in a new place.
JM: You arguably know this defense better than anyone. You played for Saleh for four seasons in San Francisco (2017-20) and another three in New York (2022-24). In 2017, Saleh was a first-year DC and you were a rookie. How have you seen his scheme evolve over the years?
Solomon Thomas: It's been really cool to watch Robert Saleh grow and evolve, especially from when he was a first-year head coach to now. He's so much more confident in everything he's doing this time around. He has a reason behind everything. Everything's an exact science.
This entire team is buying what he's selling. I'm proud of his growth. We've spent eight years together, him as a head coach or coordinator, and me as a player. He's a mastermind. The way he sees the game, how he describes things and changes plays on the go, it's been incredible to see.
There's a reason why a Robert Saleh-coached defense is always productive. His system just works. People don't understand how hard it is to play defense in the NFL nowadays. This league is filled with unbelievable quarterbacks who are getting more athletic (laughs). They can take off and run.
It's getting harder and harder to field a good defense, but you can always count on Robert Saleh to find a way. I'm so fortunate to be playing for him again.
JM: This system is described as an attack-style front. Guys have a tough time adjusting if they haven't played in something like it before. How would you describe it in your own words?
Solomon Thomas: Coach Saleh doesn't want you to think too much. It's all about getting off the ball and reacting. I'm getting off the ball as fast as I can. You have to stay on your lines and your angles. If the guard or center does this, I respond. If the tackle comes down here, I do this.
This system allows defensive linemen to use their athletic ability. You have to play with an innate instinct to be the best player you can be. Coach Whitecotton has also done a fantastic job developing players throughout his career and installing this scheme.
So many guys have gotten paid in this league because they played for Coach Whitecotton in this scheme. We're adjusting well. We're attacking well. We've only had a handful [five] of training camp practices. We're growing and getting better. It's been fun to watch.
We're watching the evolution of this defense in real time.
JM: Why do you think this system is such a good fit not only for yourself, but teammates Jeffery Simmons and John Franklin-Myers as well?
Solomon Thomas: Jeffery Simmons is an absolute freak. He's 298 pounds with 13% body fat. He's so strong and so explosive. He knows how to use all of the force and explosion throughout his body to his advantage.
Offensive linemen have to get on their toes, and they better be worried about what Jeffery Simmons is about to do (laughs). In this scheme, he's coming off the ball even quicker. He's going to be unstoppable this year.
John Franklin-Myers, nobody close to 300 pounds should move the way he does. When he's against a tight end, that's a very scary matchup for the offense (laughs). We've been best friends for a very long time. Having the opportunity to watch him play, ball out, and to finally get paid the way he deserves, it's been awesome.
John Franklin-Myers is finally getting the recognition he deserves. He's going to be a great player for us. I promise you that.
JM: Coach Saleh isn't your only reunion. You played for defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton with the Dallas Cowboys last season, and previously with the Jets, as you mentioned. Do you think his approach surprises guys at first? I guess most of this defensive line has already played for him.
Solomon Thomas: I wouldn't say it surprises people. He's a very intense coach though. He's intense because he cares so much. He's very articulate in terms of how he teaches. He's intense because he wants us to be the best players we can possibly be.
Once his players see that and start buying in, you love it when he's screaming and yelling. He's always honest with you. He knows you can be better. There's a reason why he's doing what he's doing. Coach Whitecotton wants to have the best defensive line in the league.
Coach Whitecotton wants you to have as many sacks as possible. He wants you to get paid. Above all, he wants to build a Super Bowl-winning culture. In his mind, that starts with the defensive line. Once players see that, they play hard for him. We love his intensity and what he brings to the table. That should be our DNA.
Coach Whitecotton played on the offensive line, but he's a defensive lineman at heart (laughs). It's a way of life for him. He flips that switch on the practice field. He has that in him. He builds that culture and mentality in our position room.
JM: He's a pleasure. As mentioned, Saleh was your defensive coordinator in 2017 when you went No. 3 overall to San Francisco. Any good pre-draft memories with Saleh leading up? You probably didn't think you'd play for him three different times.
Solomon Thomas: I definitely had no idea I'd play for Coach Saleh for eight years in three different places (laughs). I'll take you back to 2017. I remember having a veteran tell me that relationships are everything in this league. They keep getting you new opportunities.
I bought into Coach Saleh's culture and this defense. I play hard. I'm a high-effort player with a lot of passion and intensity. That's the reason we've stuck together and get along so well.
Going through the pre-draft process, I was immediately drawn to his intelligence for the game. I remember that sticking out to me way back in 2017. I was a defensive lineman coming out of college. I didn't know much about offensive formations or tendencies. He taught me so much. I'm so thankful.
JM: Obviously this franchise has a lot riding on Cam Ward. You've seen a lot of quarterbacks in your day. What are your early impressions of Ward?
Solomon Thomas: I love Cam Ward's approach. I love how he approaches every single day. He's always prepared for what the day entails. He's a detail-oriented quarterback. I love a quarterback who comes out here and says I'm the man (laughs). Quarterbacks need to have that confidence.
It's not about being cocky. He just wants to be the best Cam Ward he can be. He shows that at practice every day. He's not afraid to talk smack and mix it up with us (laughs). He chirps the defense. You need that from your quarterback.
Cam Ward knows how to win. When he was at Miami, they came from behind and won so many games. He showed that ability as a rookie as well, even though the Titans had a rebuilding year. He's just a winner.
Cam Ward doesn't let any mistakes bother him. He has this next-play mentality. He knows how to win, man. That's such a rare skill from the quarterback spot. We see it every single day at practice.
JM: You've dealt with expectations from the beginning. It comes with the territory of being a #3 overall pick. You're entering your 10th season now. How have you successfully blocked out the noise?
Solomon Thomas: I truly feel blessed to still be playing this game as I prepare to enter my 10th season. Three years after high school, 10 years after college, I'm still here. I love the game. I still have my passion. I'm thankful to have this new opportunity in Tennessee.
There were a few years in the middle [of my career] where I lost my confidence. Those early years in San Francisco, playing out of position, not understanding how I fit in, it led to a lot of confusion and frustration. Football has taught me so much about life in general.
I found my confidence. I believe in myself again. Football has taught me more than I could ever imagine. I've blocked out the noise. I trust my abilities. I understand the true meaning of success. I might never be an All-Pro selection, but I make a positive impact on my teammates.
I'm going to make key plays because I play with effort and intensity. Realizing those things made the biggest difference. I'm a leader in the locker room. I do things the right way. There's a reason I'm in my 10th season. I'm ready to work hard for the Titans.
I don't think Solomon Thomas has played his best football yet. That's what I'm going to do for the Tennessee Titans this season. I want to have the best year of my career. Let's win a bunch of games and bring a Super Bowl to Nashville.
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